Lowestoft Town director of football Craig Fleming admitted the Blues will have to plan for several weeks without the services of Dan Gleeson.

The 27-year-old will undergo back surgery at some point over the next month and is likely to face up to six weeks on the sidelines.

Fleming admitted the news was a big blow to his plans with Gleeson impressing since signing on a free transfer from Luton Town having been released by the Hatters.

However, Gleeson will at least put off the surgery so he can be involved in the Blues' FA Cup third qualifying round tie at St Albans tomorrow.

'He made us aware of the problem before he signed for us and he just gets on with it – he could manage it but he was wrongly diagnosed,' said Fleming, whose side advanced in the Suffolk Premier Cup on Tuesday night after a 3-2 win over Brantham Athletic, which was a lot more comfortable than the scoreline suggests. 'He went back to them and they said he could have an operation and cure it for good.

'He will be out for about six weeks but he will be a big loss because he's been magnificent for us – he should be okay for Saturday though.'

Gleeson is not the only member of the squad carrying an injury and Fleming admitted the amount of players carrying knocks ahead of tomorrow's tie is a concern.

Adam Smith has suffered a setback in his recovery from the shin problem he picked up on the opening day at Whitehawk while Dale Cockrill is still troubled by a knee injury.

Chris Henderson, Greg Crane and Sam Gaughran are all trying to shake off injury worries but Fleming can't envisage bringing in further reinforcements in the near future.

'We are always on the lookout but, like we've always found, the geography of this place makes it very hard to get people of the right standard in,' he said. Fleming went to scout St Albans last weekend and has warned his squad they are in for a tough afternoon.

'They are a decent side – it will be a tough game, a hard place to play at,' he added. 'They've got some very good players but then again so have we.'