Southgate Harmen A’s title hopes have suffered a major blow after it was confirmed that striker Alex Bourne has been ruled out for five weeks with a cracked metatarsal.

Bourne, the league joint-top goal-scorer on 13 goals, has helped Harmen lead the JC MSFL Division One table from the beginning of the season with two hat-tricks to his tally. The husband of pop star Rachel Stevens has scored 18 goals in all competitions.

Bourne, 31, said: “Obviously I’m extremely disapointed with the injury. I’m probably the only Jewish footballer at the moment who's hoping for more games to be cancelled.

“I’m really enjoying the season and Andy Okin, our assistant-manager, has set me a target of scoring at least 30 goals this season.”

Bourne spearheaded Harmen’s Division Two title success last season and won the division’s Golden Boot.

He suffered the injury at training. “I cracked my metatarsal in a five-a-side game last week. It was such a minor incident. That's what is so frustrating about it.

“I’m hoping to be back in less than the five-week timescale that I’ve been given but want to make sure that I’m totally ready before playing again.

“Obviously I'd like to think that my presence will be missed by the team but we have a very strong squad and, with the amount of chances we are creating, and the quality of Lloyd Becker amongst others, I don’t think our title chances will be too damaged.

“I'll obviously try and stay fit and sharp while I’m out and I’m still holding out for getting a lot of match time with the view of making Fabio Capello's squad in the summer!”

Bourne is set to miss league matches against Oakwood, Neasden B, Montana A and one other as well as the trip to Red Sea in the Anekstein.