Eastleigh have been handed a significant blow, just days before their FA Cup clash against League Two side Shrewsbury Town.
The Spitfires had a strong start to their 2026/27 campaign, but are currently on a run of just one win in their last seven league matches, slipping down to 17th in the National League table.
Saturday saw the club rescue a point against Barrow, courtesy of Aaron Blair’s 100th-minute equaliser – though a significant injury blow overshadowed the result.
Eastleigh confirm huge setback
During Saturday’s clash against Barrow, there was a lengthy delay midway through the second half following an injury to defender Temi Eweka.
⏱ 81’ | Eweka is forced off. 🔄
All of our thoughts are with you, Temi. 🩷
[0-0] #Spitfires ✈️ https://t.co/cOJq1F5e3d
— Eastleigh FC (@EastleighFC) October 31, 2026
The 27-year-old suffered a head injury after colliding with a Barrow player and required treatment for 14 minutes before being replaced by Barney Stone, who went on to contribute to the equaliser.
Eastleigh have now provided an update on the defender via their social media pages, confirming Eweka has ‘suffered multiple facial fractures’ and was taken to hospital for further assessment.
The Spitfires have also stated that he will require surgery and no timeframe can be given on when he could return to action.
With a big cup clash on the horizon, confirmation of the 27-year-olds injury is far from ideal for a side that are already out-of-form.
Eweka has been a major part of Eastleigh’s season so far, featuring 13 times in the league and scoring twice against Southend United and Boreham Wood, with his goals earning two points.
How can Eastleigh cope without him?
Whether the injury to Eweka will force Eastleigh into the transfer market to try and source a replacement remains to be seen.
“We love you, Temi!” 💙 https://t.co/1wQJyHzU90
— Eastleigh FC (@EastleighFC) November 2, 2026
However, Saturday saw an opportunity for Barney Stone who grabbed an assist for the equaliser, though the issue with this is that he is a forward, not a defender.
Experienced defender Jake Caprice was on the bench for Matt Gray’s side at the weekend, and could slot into the backline this Saturday – whether that’s as a centre-back or right-back, in a change that would mean Ibrahim Bakare moves across.
However, with a busy festive period also on the horizon and other injuries within the squad, Eastleigh may be forced to turn to the transfer market once again – even if it’s to add in a short-term loan signing to cover Eweka until he returns.
