Barnet defender Gavin Hoyte will be out for at least six months after rupturing his anterior cruciate knee ligament but John Akinde, Sam Togwell and Michael Nelson are fit to face Newport County this afternoon.

Hoyte was substituted two minutes before half time at Stevenage in the Bees' last fixture a fortnight ago.

However, the full-back suffered knee ligament damage which has ended his first season at The Hive.

Head coach Martin Allen told Bees Player: "Gavin Hoyte has had a scan and seen two consultants this week and will probably be out for a minimum of six months with an anterior cruciate knee ligament rupture.

"It's a big blow for Gavin when he's got back in the team and shown the sort of form [I know he can].

"He's a good player and I think it's ok to say now he was signed to replace Andy Yiadom because I thought he was going off to another club at a higher level but that didn't materialise.

"Gav has been a bit unlucky and a bit unfortunate not to play a lot more games," continued Allen. "We've seen the real form of Gavin and it's a real blow for all of us.

"He's a tremendous professional and a really nice person off the field. We'll do everything we can now to make sure we get the best consultants, the best pre operation work and the best operation consultant to do that op and then the long recovery starts."

There is, however, better news regarding top-scorer Akinde, midfielder Togwell and veteran centre-back Nelson. All three will be fit for Saturday's visit to Newport County.

Bira Dembele (knee), Michael Gash (hamstring) and Graham Stack (groin) are all sidelined, though.

The loss of Hoyte will be offset by the arrival of former Leicester City defender James Pearson on a non-contract basis.

"I know some of hte people behind the scenes from my time there," said Allen. "James hasn't had a club so we've taken him on.

"He's full of enthusiasm. He's been training here without getting paid or any expenses. He just wants a chance. I'm all for giving peope a chance.

"We're going to help him, look after him and support him and we will see how he does between now and the end of the season."