Leyton Orient have been dealt a blow with the news that influential centre-back George Elokobi is set to be ruled out for a number of weeks with a hamstring injury.

The 32-year-old limped off after just two minutes against Ebbsfleet United on Tuesday night and the O’s have confirmed that Elokobi has suffered a grade two tear to his hamstring.

Marvin Ekpiteta now looks set to enjoy an extended run in the side, after the young centre-back impressed against Ebbsfleet after replacing Elokobi on Tuesday night.

The news will be a blow to Elokobi, who had worked so hard over the summer to ensure he was fully fit for the start of the new campaign, having missed the latter stages of last season after limping off against Hartlepool United.

Since joining Orient from Colchester United last summer, the former Wolves man has enjoyed a stop-start career at the Breyer Group Stadium, with the centre-back being restricted to 23 appearances in all competitions for the O’s during the 2017/18 campaign.

Elokobi previously told the Guardian Series of his desire to prove a point at Brisbane Road this season, as well as his desire to feature more prominently for the O’s, but those ambitions will now have to go on the back burner as the centre-back starts his recovery.