Injured Holland set for lengthy absence

Jonathan Holland is set to miss Ħamrun Spartans' run-in for a Championship Pool berth after he was ruled out for up to six weeks with hamstring trouble.

The veteran midfielder suffered the injury during Friday's 3-0 defeat of Sliema Wanderers at the Victor Tedesco Stadium. He was replaced by Mark Barbara in the 68th minute.

Holland is expected to undergo further tests this week but is set to skip the remaining second round fixtures against Msida, Qormi, Valletta and Tarxien.

Coach Stephen D'Amato will also have to do without Aaron Attard after a recurrence to a knee injury that had sidelined him for two weeks.

On a more positive note, wing-back Neville Galea is now back to full fitness and is expected to be in the Spartans squad for Friday's match against Msida.