Andy Hessenthaler could recall Chris Whelpdale back into his Gillingham squad after the midfielder returned to training.

A knee injury sidelined the 25-year-old last weekend and he was due for an anti-inflammatory injection but Hessenthaler revealed that the injury was not as bad as feared.

Hessenthaler said: "He hasn’t had an injection and he is in training.

"He has had some strong tablets that could settle the knee down and he could well be available for selection at the weekend. It’s better news than we first thought."

There is less certain news on forward Dennis Oli. He was ill last weekend and returned to training with a dose of concussion.

"He is struggling," said the Gills boss.

Gillingham could be without influential midfielder Jack Payne this weekend after suffering an ankle injury at Accrington.

Payne has started Gills’ last 14 games but came off at half-time during the visit north on Saturday.

Hessenthaler said: "He got a nasty kick on Saturday and will be 50-50 for the weekend."

Danny Spiller, meanwhile, has resumed full training after missing the last four and a half months of action.

"He won’t be long," Hessenthaler said. "He could be back next week (Burton) and that will be great for him and us to have another body available so fingers crossed for him. He is way off match fitness but we might arrange a few games and get him involved."

*The transfer window for permanent deals closed at 11pm on Tuesday with no action at Priestfield.

Picture: Whelpdale (right) and Payne celebrate a goal for the Gills. Barry Goodwin.

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