GRAVESEND & Northfleet assistant manager Phil Handford admits the squad is already down to the bare bones despite playing only eight games this season.

Andy Ford's side, who sit 12th in the Conference table, have a number of first team players missing through injury, including Francis Duku, Liam Hatch and Paul Booth.

With defenders Justin Skinner and Nick Burton also carrying knocks for the past few weeks, Handford says the Fleet could struggle to put out a fully fit side for the away clash with Burton Albion tonight.

He said: "Skinner is struggling with an ankle injury, which causes him problems when he kicks the ball and Burton has a calf injury.

"They've been doing a job for us in the past few weeks because we're down to the bare bones. But we're still capable of getting a positive result at Burton."

One player who definitely won't be available for selection is summer signing Austin Berkley after the out-of-favour striker joined Chelmsford on loan for a month.

Gravesend (from): Wilkerson, Skinner, Watts, Burton, Wilkins, Jackson, Owen, Stouts, McKimm, Stadhart, Sodje, Parker, Kwashi, Lee, Coyle, Turner.

MARGATE are away to Woking tonight in the Nationwide Conference.