BEN Marlow has undergone another operation as the East Thurrock United midfielder steps up his return from injury.

Marlow suffered a fractured eye-socket and cheekbone in Rocks’ Essex Senior Cup third round defeat at Concord Rangers.

Despite going under the knife again, East Thurrock boss John Coventry insists Marlow has not suffered a setback in his recovery.

“Ben had another operation yesterday,” said Coventry.

“Hopefully it all went to plan and he will make a speedy recovery.

“Although he has now had an operation, I don’t think that will have an impact on the timescale of his spell on the sidelines.

“The recovery time from the operation isn’t too much different to what we were originally expecting.”

East Thurrock are set to welcome Leatherhead to the Grayers Graphics Stadium tomorrow.

A win could see Rocks break into the Isthmian Premier League play-off places, but Leatherhead make the trip to south Essex having recorded five consecutive wins.

“We won’t read too much into Leatherhead’s form at the moment,” added Coventry.

“Leatherhead have picked up some form and they have got a winning mentality heading into the game.

“That will make it difficult for us.

“But it’s nice to be back at home and hopefully we can start putting some points on the board.

“We have been involved in the FA Trophy, which takes your mind off the league for a while.

“But now we have to get three points on the board.”