Maidstone captain George Elokobi appears to be some way off a comeback.

Elokobi, 35, hasn’t featured since the 1-0 defeat by Slough at the start of November, missing the Stones’ surge to the top of National South.

George Fowler has been a permanent fixture in his absence, teaming up with Raphe Brown and now Joe Ellul in central defence during United’s six-match winning streak.

Elokobi, the club captain, remains a big influence behind the scenes but manager Hakan Hayrettin has no idea when he’ll be ready to play again.

“He had a bad groin injury in training, he hasn’t even kicked a ball yet,” said Hayrettin. “I haven’t got a clue when he’ll be back.

“He’s still a big influence in that changing room and I love him to bits.

“George is a massive influence, Jake Gallagher’s a massive influence, Gavin Hoyte’s a massive influence.

“They’re in there, doing their jobs without me even knowing sometimes, praising and passing messages on.”

With Jerome Binnom-Williams fit again and Sam Corne and Jermaine McGlashan set to be available for the game at bottom side Billericay on Saturday, Maidstone’s squad is looking strong.

Players are waiting in the wings, meaning those in possession know they must be on their game and continue to buy into Hayrettin’s work ethic.

“If they’re not working hard, I’m not playing them,” said the Stones boss.

“The ones not in the team are pushing the others to play well, and long may it continue.”

Maidstone have already beaten Billericay twice this season - 1-0 in the league and 6-5 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the FA Trophy.

The Essex side are struggling at the foot of the table but Hayrettin is taking nothing for granted.

“It will be a tough game, nothing’s going to change for us,” he said.

“We’ve got to stay focused and we’ve got to be resilient. We’ve got to expect them to throw the kitchen sink at us and we’ll have to deal with that.”