Maidstone manager Jay Saunders expects Alex Flisher to be out until Christmas.

Flisher, whose 16 goals set Stones on their way to the Ryman League, Premier Division title, hasn’t played since suffering a knee injury against Bognor last December.

The winger had successful surgery in February but has no chance of being fit for United’s National League South opener in August and boss Saunders can’t see him playing any part in the first half of the season.

Saunders said: “We’re looking at Christmas. If we see him before then, it’s a bonus.

“His specialist has told him he can’t take part in full-contact training until September, then no doubt there will be little niggles in other areas which you always get when a player’s been out for such a long time.

“Christmas is the worst-case scenario but it’s best to be prepared for that.”

Flisher made his name on the left wing but is likely to be competing for a place up front on his return, having been prolific as a makeshift striker covering for Jay May last season.

Saunders said: “Just before his injury, he had that spell up front and if I’d had someone to cover the left, he would have stayed there.

“It’s hard not to play him out wide because of everything he offers but I do think centre-forward will be his position. That’s where he’ll end up.”

Maidstone freed up Flisher to play in attack by signing left-winger Mitchell Pinnock from Bromley on Monday.