Despite injuries hampering Leyton Orient’s season, the club will not rush players back to fitness, says Ross Embleton.

A host of long-term absentees have hamstrung Steve Davis’ team selection in recent weeks and been a contributing, if not definitive, factor to the O’s slump in form.

Embleton admits the absentees have had an impact, but insists Orient won’t cut corners in players’ rehabilitation.

“The thing we have to be careful of now, with the number of players we have out injured, is that we do not rush the players back,” Embleton said.

“We need them and want them in the team, but we have to be sensible because it is people’s career and welfare.

“We have to make sure we manage the process properly to get them back to fitness.”

Matt Harrold, who has been nursing an injury, was involved in a development game on Tuesday as he looks to reach full match fitness.

His and others’ recovery is being monitored and Embleton again stressed the importance of patience when it comes to injury concerns.

“Matt Harrold played extended minutes in a development game against Barnet. I know he got on the pitch on Saturday, but he still needs time,” he said.

“We want Harrold, Alex Lawless and Joe Widdowson, who missed the game at the weekend, back.”

George Elokobi and Charlie Lee have been sorely missed and will remain on the sidelines for some time yet.

Their experience is as much use as their ability on the pitch and both players have remained useful sounding boards during their rehabilitation.

While the pair are as involved as possible on a day-to-day basis, Embleton accepts it is hard for players to remain positive during long lay-offs.

“We try and include the players who have long-term injuries and have them in and around the group as much as we can,” he said.

“We want them to be involved, but it is tough for them to do their rehab while still being involved with the group.

“They are included in what we do during the week’s training because they are good characters.

“Their rehab is coming along nicely, but is never quick enough from anyone’s perspective because you want them fit.”