Gillingham manager Gareth Ainsworth explains Bradley Dack’s substitution and Nelson Khumbeni’s injury but Jonny Smith and Conor Masterson could be back soon

Gillingham manager Gareth Ainsworth has explained why Bradley Dack was taken off at the weekend.

Dack was a key player as the Gills went 2-0 up against Barrow in the opening half, continuing his good recent form for the team, but Ainsworth admitted he had to take him off midway through the second half.

“Bradley took a whack, so he had to come off,” said the Gills boss.

The Gills finished the game with 10 men after midfielder Nelson Khumbeni – Dack’s replacement – went down injured late on. All of the permitted substitutions had already been used as he went off in some discomfort.

“I think he's done his shoulder,” said Ainsworth, after the weekend 2-2 draw against Barrow.

“That could be a nasty one for Nelson.

“But he's young enough to get over that and he'll be back soon stronger.”

Both players will have their injuries assessed this week.

Garath McCleary was another who impressed early on in the game but was replaced by Seb Palmer-Houlden.

On his substitutions, Ainsworth admitted: “I don't think they made good impacts. I don't think they changed much.”

The Gills boss, on his team overall, added: “They've given everything. I'll take some responsibility. My changes, my tactics, I'll take some responsibility.

“Give it me. But I'm sure one or two of the boys will hold their hand up and say, ‘look, I need to be better in certain areas, certain times.”

Ainsworth had been looking towards the Christmas period to get numbers back and there are some closing in on a return.

Speaking on Saturday, he said: “Johnny Smith looks like he'll be involved next week (at Fleetwood), which is great.

“I think Conor (Masterson) is very close. The two big guys (Sam Vokes and Josh Andrews) are close.

“We're slowly getting them back for that