James Brophy is closing in on a return to action for Leyton Orient, having missed the last month due to a hamstring problem.

However, it’s not all good news for the O’s, with Sam Ling enduring a set-back in training last week.

The duo haven’t featured since the 2-0 win over Maidstone United last month, with Brophy missing out due to a slight tear to his hamstring, while Ling has been struggling with a foot problem which he initially picked up against Barrow.

James Dayton and Myles Judd have impressed for Orient in the duo’s absence and both Brophy as well as Ling face a fight on their hands if they want to regain their spots in the starting line-up upon their return.

However, assistant coach Ross Embleton confirmed that Brophy is close to a return and believes the former Swindon Town winger will be able to take part in training soon.

Asked whether either Brophy or Ling could return to training soon, Embleton said: “James certainly. He did more on Thursday and Friday. James is probably a little bit closer than Sam.

“Sam is pain free when he’s running but when he’s striking the ball or with his non kicking foot he’s suffering a little bit of pain and discomfort.

“It’s frustrating for him and frustrating for us because we’d like to see him back in training and back in and around the squad to make that position for Myles Judd that bit more competitive. We’ve got to ease him back in slowly and hopefully, we’ll get a little bit more out of him this week.”

Elsewhere on the injury front, there was concern for Charlie Lee against Barnet after the midfielder limped off on the hour mark against the Bees.

Lee went up to win a header just after the re-start but appeared to come off worst and despite initially carrying on after receiving treatment, he had to be replaced by Dale Gorman.

The midfielder has forged an impressive partnership with Craig Clay this campaign and is making up for lost time following a disappointing first year in East London, having missed most of last season after damaging his anterior cruciate ligament in training.

However, Embleton allayed any concerns around the midfielder when asked about Lee post-match.

Embleton said: “It was a bit of an innocuous one. He sort of went up and landed and he said he felt it in his knee and ankle as he came off.

“Towards the end of the game, he was talking more about his ankle so we’re all delighted, considering Charlie’s injury history, that it’s not worse. By the end, he was walking round ok and it was just a knock.”