Andy Hessenthaler tells absent players they face a stiff challenge to win their place back in the Gillingham side
08:39, 17 October 2011
by Luke Cawdell
Gillingham boss Andy Hessenthaler has warned his returning players that their route back to the first team may be blocked.
The Gills won 5-2 at Torquay on Saturday despite missing nine senior professionals through injury. But several players, including Danny Kedwell and Charlie Lee, could be available this weekend to give Hessenthaler (pictured) a selection dilemma.
"Kedwell should be fit by the weekend and it's going to make it tough for me to pick a team," said Hessenthaler. "I am looking forward to that challenge this week.
"We are not certain who will be back but I am pretty sure that three or four of them will be.
"My job next week will be very difficult after that performance. I'll have four or five back so it won't be easy but that's what I am here for."
Hessenthaler is already without long-term injury victims Adam Birchall, Barry Fuller and Danny Spiller. Battling back from injury in the coming days will be Andy Frampton, Danny Jackman, Jack Payne, Lee, Kedwell and Dennis Oli.
"We will be looking a lot brighter, injury-wise, next week," he added. "Frampton and Jackman have a good chance (of returning) as does Kedwell.
"Dennis Oli will still be missing with a hamstring and I think Jack Payne will have a good week training and will be close. Maybe he needs an extra (week) before we consider him.
"I expect Lee to be fit. He has a slight problem with his knee but this weekend came too soon."
Do you think Hessenthaler should change a winning team? Have your say below.
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