Gillingham v Shrewsbury preview

Team news ahead of Saturday's League Two clash between Gillingham and Shrewsbury Town at Priestfield Stadium.

Gillingham are battling a virus which has swept through their camp, with striker Danny Kedwell and midfielder Charlie Lee the biggest concerns. All of those affected will be assessed and manager Andy Hessenthaler will be hoping Kedwell and Lee, who are both touch and go, make it. Kedwell in particular would be a big loss should he miss out, with the forward having spearheaded Gills' attack this season due to the serious knee injury sustained by Adam Birchall during pre-season. One piece of good news, however, is that Chris Whelpdale is making good progress in his recovery from a calf injury which has ruled him out of the last three matches. The midfielder could be involved in some capacity against Shrews should he continue his progression without any problems. Central defender Simon King completed a one-month loan switch to Plymouth on transfer deadline day but had yet to feature for Gills this season. Shrewsbury will be without strikers James Collins and Tom Bradshaw due to their international commitments. Collins missed Tuesday's Johnstone's Paint Trophy defeat at Walsall having linked up with the Republic of Ireland's Under-21 squad and he will again miss out at Priestfield. As will fellow forward Bradshaw who, despite starting against the Saddlers, has now joined Wales' Under-21 side for their European Championship qualifier. Manager Graham Turner made five changes in midweek from the team who triumphed over Swindon last weekend, and Ben Smith, Ian Sharps, Nicky Wroe, Mark Wright and Marvin Morgan will each be hoping to come back in. Left-back Joe Jacobson shrugged off a back problem to start at the Banks's Stadium and should be involved again. Winger Jon Taylor is stepping up his recovery after a case of food poisoning which has already ruled him out for two weeks, but this weekend comes too soon.