Fleet Captain May Not Need Knee Surgery

The 29-year-old ruptured his medial ligament in just the second game of the Vanarama National League season during Fleet's 2-0 at Kent rivals Maidstone United on August 8th.

It was initially expected that the centre-back would require surgery and be out of action for six months, but if specialists are happy with the way his knee is healing, Winfield could be back before the new year.

Ebbsfleet have already began accommodating for his absence having signed Chris Bush from National League South Chelmsford City last week.

Other Fleet defenders Kenny Clark and Jack Connors are also suffering from hamstring injuries and Sam Magri is now away on international duty with Malta.

On whether Winfield would need surgery manager Daryl McMahon told Kent Online: "We don’t know, it’s in the lap of the gods.

"Knowing that he’s a fit lad and he looks after himself and does things the right way, it’s six weeks to see of the fibres have come back together. They are attached but can they grow again?

"If they don’t, he needs surgery and he’s out for six months. If they do start growing back and linking together, it’ll be three months.

"We have to err on the side of caution and expect the worst but it would be a nice little Christmas present to get him back."