Charlie MacDonald will miss Barnet’s trip to Eastleigh on Saturday whilst Curtis Weston is a doubt for the visit to Hampshire.

Club captain MacDonald, 33, is sidelined for “three or four weeks” according to head coach Martin Allen. The former Brentford striker injured his calf in the 3-1 victory at Altrincham a fortnight ago.

Meanwhile, vice-captain Weston was substituted in the second half of Saturday’s 3-1 loss against Forest Green Rovers at The Hive with a thigh problem.

However, it is not known whether or not the former Leeds United and Millwall midfielder will be fit to face Richard Hill’s side.

Southend United loanee Conor Clifford should deputise for Weston, if he misses out, whilst Michael Gash and John Akinde have started the last two games up front together.

Barnet will be keen to bounce back from the defeat against Rovers a week ago when they travel to the sixth-placed Spitfires.

Allen’s Bees have lost five of their last eight Conference fixtures, with three of those defeats coming on the road. However, a 3-1 win at Altrincham a fortnight ago did put a halt to the streak of three consecutive away losses.

Speaking to the Daily Echo, Eastleigh manager Hill says The Bees must not be discounted in the title race just yet.

He said: “As we speak, it looks like Bristol Rovers may have a slight advantage, but I’d never count a Martin Allen team out of anything until it’s actually over. Two seasons ago he was helping Gillingham win League Two. His record speaks for itself.”

Hill continued: “I’ve got to know Martin over the years. He has his own quirky way of doing things, but I’ve got nothing but respect for him.

“He’s an ex-pro footballer who’s gone into management and he has never been anything other than polite and respectful towards me,” said Hill.

“I saw him not long ago at Dartford v Halifax and we spent the whole of half-time talking about this league.

“Good luck to him. Barnet set their stall out at the start of the season and set the benchmark for everyone to catch.

“It’s hard work up there trying to set the standards.”

Eastleigh have a fully-fit squad to pick from. You get the lowdown on The Spitfires by reading our opposition profile.