Jamaican central defender Claude Davis signed for the Whites last month on a year deal – but the turmoil still drags on, as he’s still waiting for his work permit.
PNE declared last week that he’s entitled to a work permit because, if Davis weren’t injured for a game in the Gold Cup, then he would have gained enough internationals to get a permit.
But now the Whites are waiting for the seal of approval from Whitehall before he can get his debut – but this could take at least 10 days to process!
PNE boss Brown said: "If the work permit came through we still think Claude might struggle to male Saturday in terms of fitness.
"I think he is maybe a week away. But putting him into a game like West Ham before he has played at all is a bit risky.
"We have been told Claude should not commence employment until that has been okayed and we have received it in writing."