ORIENT are set to be without skipper Stephen Purches for tomorrow's vital home clash with Swindon.
The former Bournemouth defender, who was substituted during Saturday's 1-0 home defeat against Huddersfield has been struck down by chickenpox. He will join fellow defenders Tamika Mkandawire (hernia) and Sam Oji (hamstring) on the sidelines.
On-loan Spurs man Charlie Daniels will have a fitness test tomorrow after going over on his ankle in training today.
And with his side suffering three straight 1-0 home defeats at Brisbane Road, manager Martin Ling has hinted that he may make further changes to his staring line-up for the visit of his former club.
He said: "Having gone three home games without a goal and struggled to create chances I may look to change it around a bit.
"I've been happy with how solid we've looked at the back in recent weeks, but we have lack creativity and I'm looking for us to get that side of our game right tomorrow."
With his team four points off the play-off spots, Ling is fully aware his players face a mountain to climb if they are to secure a top six finish - although has warned them they are still playing for their futures at the club even if they are still under contract.
He continued: "We would probably need seven wins and a draw now if we are to make 72 points, which given other teams results recently would probably be good enough.
"Despite the results lately I still believe we can make it and the players certainly wont be allowed to give up without a fight.
"There are a lot of people out of contract here in the summer, who are playing for their futures. We also have others that while they've got a contract, need to show me they should be part of my plans as well.
"You learn an awful lot about people when things aren't going well, and as they say when the going gets tough the tough get going."
And while some fans may choose to stay away from tomorrow's Brisbane Road clash after three straight home defeats, Ling has called on all true supporters to continue to back his team.
He added: "I know we haven't given them too much to get excited about at home lately, but if we are still to give the play-off's a shot we need all our fans behind us."
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