ORIENT midfielder Adam Chambers is struggling to shake off a back injury in time for Saturday s FA Cup trip to Tranmere Rovers. The influential Chambers has made just two league starts this season due to a calf injury that has dragged on since last Easter

ORIENT midfielder Adam Chambers is struggling to shake off a back injury in time for Saturday's FA Cup trip to Tranmere Rovers.

The influential Chambers has made just two league starts this season due to a calf injury that has dragged on since last Easter.

However, after three reserve team tests, Chambers was in line to return to the squad for last Saturday's clash with Southampton.

But O's boss Geraint Williams confirmed this week: "Adam's calf injury is fine, but in his last reserve team game he took a knock on his back and that's what kept him out on Saturday.

"It's still sore, but we hope he might be available for this weekend.

"He's desperate to get back, but we will have to play it by ear."

Chambers would have been the perfect replacement for Luke Summerfield, who will miss Saturday's trip.

Summerfield has made seven starts for the O's since he joined on loan from Plymouth Argyle, but the Championship side do not want him cup-tied.

It means O's boss Williams will be forced into making at least one change to the side that drew 2-2 with Southampton last weekend.

If Chambers is not fit, there could be a recall for young midfielder Jason Demetriou, who spent the 90 minutes on the bench against Southampton.

While there is also a doubt over central defender Tamika Mkandawire, who needed six stitches in a cut above his eye, after he headed Orient in front against Southampton. "It was a heavy bump and he's not right yet. But he will be seeing the doctor. We will see if it settles down and play it by ear," explained Williams.

"We will have to wait and see how he feels."

Glenn Morris, who has been excellent in the last two games, looks set to keep his place in goal, even though Jamie Jones has recovered after being knocked unconscious in the recent match against Colchester.

"Unfortunately, Jamie has picked up a foot injury and is struggling to kick the ball. But it's only a minor problem," said Williams.

"But Glenn has done well since coming into the side."

O's travel to Tranmere on Friday, as Orient return to the ground where Williams took charge of the team for the first time last season.

That game ended in a 0-0 draw, but Williams will be looking for a win this time.

"The FA Cup is a marvellous competition and we want to have a run in it," he said.

"Ideally, we would have liked a home draw. But at least we know about Tranmere and it's not like an awkward tie where you go into the unknown."

Following Saturday's game at Tranmere, the O's entertain League Two side Hereford United in the area quarter-final of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy on Tuesday night.

The game kicks off at an earlier-than-usual 7pm, but Summerfield will be able to play in that game.