Dartford boss Tony Burman is hopeful that Elliot Bradbrook's ankle injury will clear up before the start of the season.

Bradbrook, the Darts skipper, turned his ankle in training on July 10 and hasn't played in any of their first four pre-season friendlies.

Burman said: "He should be (out for) another week, at least. He’s missing out on these games.

"He's been injured for the last three games (against Football League opposition). He's missed out on a really tough week and stamina-wise, he’s missed out on that, so it’s awkward for us. He’s got a lot of work to do."

Could the injury linger beyond the start of the season on August 9?

"I hope not," Burman said. "He’s responding to treatment. He’s gone over on the ankle and it’s a ligament, which is a problem, and we’re dealing with that.

"He’s not going to be fit for Saturday (Thamesmead away), but we might see him on Tuesday (at VCD). You’ve got to be careful – if he does play, it might only be 45 minutes.

"It means he’s behind, unfortunately, with the work that all the other guys have done, getting their minutes in."

Burman also explained why goalkeeper Jason Brown and defender Rory McAuley weren't involved against Gillingham on Tuesday night.

He said: "Rory’s had a little bit of a problem from Friday’s game (against Leyton Orient) and hopefully he will be back on Saturday or training at least on Thursday.

"Jason’s involved with the Welsh FA and he was doing some coaching on Monday and Tuesday. That was booked before he signed, so he’s had to go there."