Jay Saunders has big problems in midfield as Tonbridge prepare to host Slough this weekend.

Taylor Maloney, Scott Wagstaff and Mo Dabre are injured, Ryan Hanson and Garett Kelly serve suspensions, while loanee Charlie Pegrum has been recalled by Leyton Orient.

Striker Luca Botti also misses out through suspension while wing-back Liam Vincent remains on the injured list.

Angels boss Saunders is working hard to strengthen his squad, in the form of short-term loans, before Saturday’s National League South game.

“If you asked me to name my team at this point, I wouldn’t be able to,” he said. “I think we’re going to have to see where we’re at on Thursday.

“Hopefully we can get one or two signings over the line to help the squad but at the moment it’s difficult to plan.

“We’ll do our research on Slough but our main concern is getting a side out that can compete.”

A tired Tonbridge side lost 2-0 at Hampton & Richmond on Saturday.

Saunders felt they were feeling the effects of their midweek defeat by Eastbourne which saw them go a man down after five minutes with Kelly’s red card and finish with nine after Botti received a second yellow.

They picked up another red at Hampton with half-time substitute Hanson unfortunate to be dismissed after his standing foot slipped and saw him make minimal contact with a Hampton player.

“It’s been a difficult couple of weeks,” said Saunders, whose side are seven points off the play-offs in ninth spot.

“I’m not one to dig out refs but the Eastbourne game was a shambles and I think it had a knock-on effect on Saturday.

“Bearing in mind we’d had only one sending-off before that, our disciplinary record is quite good. We’re not an overly aggressive team. It was just poor officiating.

“We moved on to Saturday and, to be honest, I thought it took its toll on us.

“The boys looked leggy and we couldn’t make changes.

“We had three on the bench and Tom Parkinson (assistant manager), who hadn’t played since last season.

“That’s where we are at the moment.

“The squad’s looking thin with the players we have out.

“It’s something we’ve got to deal with.

“We’re going through it at the moment but I always say football evens itself out.”

There’s some good news, with defender Ben Swift in light training after 14 months out with a knee injury.

Saunders is hopeful he could feature before the end of the season.

“He’ll be a little while yet but he’s started running,” said Saunders.

“I’m pleased for him because it’s been really tough.

“He loves his football and he’s been a big miss because he’s a good player.

“Hopefully towards the end of the season he can get a game but we’ve got to make sure he’s right.”