ORIENT will be without defender Alton Thelwell for Saturday's game with Port Vale after the former Tottenham man had an injection in his knee to clear up a long-standing problem.

Thelwell, 27, has been unable to train between matches in recent weeks due to a persistent swelling of the knee joint after matches, and it is hoped that a short spell on the sidelines will help him back to full fitness.

O's boss Martin Ling said: "As we're only 11 games into the season, it's best that Alton's injury clears up now rather than risking making it worse.

"He's had an injection and he will definitley be out for Saturday - and maybe the week after that too - but he won't be on the sidelines for too long.

"It gives a chance to the likes of Brian Saah and Sam Oji to show what they can do."