Gillingham are hoping for the best after big striker Oli Hawkins went off injured on Saturday. Hawkins missed the first four months of the season with a heel injury but his return has coincided with Gillingham’s upturn in performances and a run of wins post-Christmas.
He netted in the 1-1 draw with Forest Green Rovers at Priestfield and was only denied a goal on Saturday by a fine goalkeeper save to keep out his far-post header.
Hawkins’ afternoon ended early, however, limping off shortly before the break. Thankfully for the Gills it wasn’t his problematic heel that was the issue, but a strained groin muscle could still mean he might have to sit it out for several weeks.
Head coach Stephen Clemence will be hoping it’s a less serious issue. Commenting on the injury after the game, Clemence said: “He has got a slight groin (strain) and we will have to assess that. “We don’t think it is a bad groin strain but sometimes you get a nick in your groin and it can be two or three weeks.