Burgess Hill have lost in-form winger Richard Hudson for at least a month while experienced defender Stuart Tuck will not be back this season.

Hudson has scored five times since moving to the Hillians from Worthing but player-manager Jamie Howell said: “It’s a real shame as Richard has been playing well and he has been enjoying his football.

“He has been offered some work overseas for a month. We hope he will be back with us afterwards but we don’t know for sure how long the job may last if it goes well.”

Tuck had an operation last Friday to repair ankle tendon damage and Howell does not expect him to play again this season.

Howell said: “There is no point rushing him back and we would rather he gets himself fit but it is a big loss for us.

“The positive news is that defender Justin Gregory could be on the bench tomorrow for the match against Whitstable as he is getting back to fitness.”

Howell is waiting to hear his fate and that of defender Nick Fogden after both were sent off in the dramatic closing stages of the 2-1 defeat at Eastbourne Town. Howell has apologised to club officials for his out of character blast at the linesman who controversially flagged for a handball in injury time.