Dean Rance faces at least a month on the sidelines after being told he needs surgery on a groin injury.

The midfielder trained with Ebbsfleet in Portugal last week but sat out Tuesday's 2-1 friendly win over Eastbourne.

Manager Daryl McMahon said: "He's got an operation on Thursday for Gilmore's Groin.

"He's had it since January/February time and it's something we tried to strengthen but unfortunately he needs surgery.

"He played on Saturday for 45 minutes (against Portuguese side Ferreiras) and was outstanding. That's the disappointing thing.

"We knew he was going to be out, we just tried to push him through as much of pre-season as we could before the surgery to get some sort of fitness into him before he slips out.

"He'll be a miss because he's been an outstanding player for the club.

"He'll be out for four weeks, nothing too bad, as long as he does all the rehab properly.

"But we've got plenty of players in the middle of the pitch. We'll welcome Deano back when he's back but for now, we'll look at the ones we've got fit."

Sam Magri (shin splints) also missed the Eastbourne game but should return against Cambridge United on Tuesday.

Before that, Fleet entertain Gillingham side on Saturday.

Kick-off is at 3pm with Gills boss Steve Lovell expected to bring his strongest side to Stonebridge Road.

McMahon said: "We'll try to play how we always do, aggressive with the ball. Obviously they're a good side.

"Steve's done a good job there and they finished strongly last season but it's a pre-season game and we'll try to form what we're doing going into the new season."