Maidstone United manager George Elokobi says deadline signing Michael Klass has a hamstring injury | Change of venue for rearranged Taunton match
05:00, 03 April 2024
updated: 11:01, 03 April 2024
Maidstone United new boy Michael Klass has joined the club’s injured list.
Klass, who signed from National League South promotion rivals Worthing before last week’s transfer deadline, has a hamstring problem.
It cut short an impressive debut at Eastbourne on Good Friday, with Klass substituted at half-time, and saw him miss out on the Easter Monday draw against Welling.
The midfielder remains sidelined as United head west for a rearranged fixture against Taunton tonight.
The match has been switched to Meadow Park, home of Gloucester City, following a Wednesday morning pitch inspection.
“He felt some tightness in his hamstring and we have to make sure we are not too hasty in rushing him back,” said Maidstone manager George Elokobi.
“We need to look after him. Maybe he needs another week or so and we’ll go from there.”
Elokobi liked what he saw from Klass at Eastbourne, where he was arguably the best player before going off.
He’ll be an asset in the closing weeks of the season once he’s back from injury.
“He’s still learning our environment and it’s important we don’t run before we can walk, but he’s a good addition,” said Elokobi.
“That’s why we brought him in. He’s very calm in possession, he can open up defensive lines and he’s got a good mixture of short and long-range passing.
“Not only that, out of possession he understands the game.”
Maidstone have had little time to rest since their 1-1 draw with Welling on Monday.
Victory tonight would move them up a place to fourth and take them another step closer to securing a play-off spot.
Taunton will climb out of the relegation zone if they win.
“We’ve been in this position before where we’ve played two games in three days,” said Elokobi.
“We played Dartford in the FA Trophy and then Chelmsford in the league two days later.
“It’s about making sure we look after the boys and picking the right team for Wednesday night.
“We know it’s a tough place to go but we’ll be prepared for that game.”
Elokobi, meanwhile, is making progress in contract talks with his squad.
Vice-captain Sam Corne signed a new deal last week and others are set to follow.
“We’re always talking but that’s behind closed doors,” said Elokobi.
“I can’t tell you who we are chatting to but it’s important we focus on the games we’ve got at the moment.
“Everyone will find out in due course but we have to deal with these games first.”
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