Striker Cody McDonald is being lined-up for his Gillingham return.

Last season’s leading scorer is back in training and could be unleashed at the weekend when the Gills host Wigan.

McDonald hasn’t played for a month and boss Justin Edinburgh is looking forward to the return of the 29-year-old who scored 18 goals for the Gills last season, taking his tally for the club to 64 in 147 games.

“He has been training and is stepping it up,” revealed the manager. “We are hopeful he will be in the squad for Saturday.

“It would be a big lift to the whole group to have him back. He is an experienced player and a goalscorer.”

Skipper Doug Loft (calf) remains out and fellow midfielders Aaron Morris and Emmanuel Osadebe have both been forced to slow their recovery, having hoped to be involved in the week.

“It has been a bit difficult for them,” said the manager. “Both have been close but both felt the injuries on Monday in training so we have had to slow them down a bit but we are hopeful we will have Cody back for Saturday.”

Edinburgh added: “It has been frustrating and no more than for the players themselves but we are doing our utmost to make sure they are back as soon as possible.”