Ashford United captain Gary Clarke will miss the start of Southern Counties East Football League season with a groin injury but hopes his rehab will get him back sooner than the club’s six-month estimate, writes Josh Fordham.

The injury has been ongoing since the end of the last campaign and he waited until the summer break to get it sorted.

“My main problem has been my groin and my pelvis,” said Clarke. “I have been having symptoms since February and been seeing a specialist since then.

“I hope to be back as soon as possible and the six months estimate the club gave is conservative. If all things go well, I shouldn’t miss too much of the season.

“I am going to have an injection and then have six to eight weeks of rehab and can hopefully be back in training.”

The midfielder, who rejoined the club in 2013, is hoping this will be the end of his injury problems to make sure Ashford don’t miss out on promotion after finishing second last season.

“I broke my wrist against Phoenix Sports at the end of last season and it’s been in a cast for the summer,” said Clarke.

“It’s frustrating to miss the start but I want to get the injury sorted out properly as I waited until the end of the season as it was just getting worse and worse.

“I don’t know who will fill the captain’s role in my absence but whoever does I am sure will do a good job but I will be in and around the squad until I am able to come back.”