Andy Hessenthaler's pre-season preparations have been hit by injuries to Barry Fuller and Dennis Oli.
Fuller and Oli to miss start of the season
Andy Hessenthaler's pre-season preparations have been hit by injuries to Barry Fuller and Dennis Oli.
The Gillingham boss has seen both men sustain untimely knocks, with the problems expected to keep them sidelined for four to six weeks.
Club captain Fuller sustained suspected medial ligament damage in Saturday's 2-1 friendly win at Ebbsfleet and will sit out the start of the 2010/11 campaign as a result.
Meanwhile, Oli picked up a hamstring injury in training last week and will also require a prolonged period of rest in which to make a full recovery.
New arrival Cody McDonald is also nursing a slight foot problem at present and Hessenthaler admits he faces an unwelcome headache with the season fast approaching.
Loss
"Over the last couple of days we have picked up a couple of injuries," he told the club's
official website.
"We've lost Dennis Oli for four to six weeks with a torn hamstring so that's why he hasn't been involved.
"Cody McDonald is still struggling with his foot but hopefully he'll be fit for the Hearts game (on Thursday) and we'll have to wait and see on Barry but it looked like a medial ligament injury.
"As everybody knows that could take a bit of time. He'll be a loss because he's been fantastic since I've taken over at the club. He's a proper captain and he will certainly be a loss."
