TAMIKA MKANDAWIRE will join fellow centre-half Alton Thelwell on the sidelines for the final three matches of the season.

Mkandawire, who has enjoyed a superb first season in O's colours since his summer move from Hereford United, underwent surgery to combat a hernia problem in February, but he will now miss the rest of Orient's campaign in a bid to regain full fitness before pre-season.

The centre half has been below his best since returning to Martin Ling's side at the end of March, and although there is no need to operate again on the problem, he has had problems with his mobility.

A rest from first team action now will give him an extra three weeks to recover before the start of next term and manager Martin Ling is convived that will do the Malawi-born defender a power of good.

"Tam hasn't felt right since his return to the team, and he will not be involved again this season," he said.

"Like Alton [Thelwell], it's best for him to get fit now, and missing the last three games gives him more chance for rehabilitation on the injury before pre-season."

Brian Saah has, however, given the Brisbane Road side a boost after coming through Monday night's reserve game at Watford.

The homegrown defender is one of three fit senior centre-backs at the club, alongside Sam Oji and Clayton Fortune.