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Gillingham head coach Stephen Clemence with injury updates on George Lapslie and Josh Walker ahead of trip to Mansfield Town and explains Ashley Nadesan’s absence from the squad

16:00, 18 April 2024

updated: 16:07, 18 April 2024

Gillingham have a “few doubts” over player fitness ahead of their big weekend game at Mansfield Town.

Former Stags player George Lapslie is one of those players who the Gills will be closely monitoring tomorrow (Friday) ahead of their trip north. He limped off last weekend early on in the win over Barrow.

George Lapslie limped off injured last weekend Picture: @Julian_KPI
George Lapslie limped off injured last weekend Picture: @Julian_KPI

Lapslie played just short of 100 league games for Mansfield before switching to the Gills in January last year.

“I have doubts on a few,” said Clemence, speaking in his pre-match press conference on Thursday.

“I won’t give away all the names but George Lapslie came off with a hamstring injury last week, whether he will be available we are not sure and we will have a look at that one on Friday.

“I have had one report of illness and I have also got Josh Walker who has had that concussion, whether he will make it, he has to tick all the boxes off the protocols, so we will see on that one.”

Josh Walker went off on a stretcher against Barrow Picture: @KPI_Julian
Josh Walker went off on a stretcher against Barrow Picture: @KPI_Julian

Striker Walker replaced Lapslie last weekend but less than a minute later was on the end of a shocking challenge that left him suffering with concussion.

Clemence added: “Josh is on the training ground but non-contact at the moment, we will see where he is, it is probably touch and go.”

Enjoying a welcome return in that game was Dom Jefferies, the energetic midfielder making his first appearance in over two months following injury.

He could be in line for a start - an ideal swap if Lapslie doesn’t make it.

“He is available to choose from so definitely in my thoughts,” said the head coach.

Ashley Nadesan has been out of the squad in recent games Picture: @Julian_KPI
Ashley Nadesan has been out of the squad in recent games Picture: @Julian_KPI

Clemence was also asked about Ashley Nadesan’s recent absence.

The striker has missed out in the last five games following Josh Andrews’ inclusion in the squad.

He said: “Nadders has been unfortunate where he has missed out recently.

“He had a little issue with his confidence when he came back into the team, he did well around Christmas time and then he didn’t score for a little while, and unfortunately missed one or two chances.

“I just felt his form dipped a little, but his attitude on the training ground has been fantastic and I think he will definitely score goals at this level.

“I have to disappoint someone or some people every week, and unfortunately he has been one of those at the moment, but he has to keep training hard because it can turn and as quickly as it goes one way it can go the other.”

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