Gillingham team news ahead of their League Two game at Colchester United as Andy Smith, Robbie McKenzie, Harry Waldock, Will Goodwin and Tom Eaves hope to prove their fitness

Gillingham were quick to withdraw players who suffered any issues at Northampton on Tuesday but one of those could be missing this Saturday.

Robbie McKenzie looks like the player most at risk of missing the League Two trip to Colchester United after he came off injured in the EFL Trophy win on Tuesday night.

The Gills also replaced Andy Smith early on following a knock, and some other players were nursing injuries after the game, but assistant boss Steven Craig expects most to be available for the short trip to Essex.

Speaking on Wednesday, Craig said: “Two or three were precautionary [withdrawals]. I think Robbie McKenzie might miss Saturday but the rest are expected to be fit and available.

“Harry Waldock, Logan Dobbs and Andy Smith will all be available for the weekend. Ronan Hale as well. McKenzie might be a bit of a stretch. We'll see.

“Bradley Dack had a slight injury last Friday before the game, which was a bit of a disappointment for us because he's worked so hard to get back in.

“We've got a few coming back. Will Goodwin's not far away. Liam Gordon's back in light training. Probably expecting the next couple of weeks to be back in training with the first team. Just in time for the busy festive period.”

Smith and McKenzie have both been in and out of the side in recent weeks with slight injuries.

Conor McManus missed last week’s game with a knock, but Craig expected him to be cleared for international duty with Republic of Ireland under-21s. They play Finland over two legs tomorrow (Friday) and Tuesday in the UEFA Euro under-21 qualifiers.

“I'm expecting him to play [for Ireland],” said the Gills assistant.

Goodwin was an unused substitute on Tuesday. He was back in the squad following injury, but the management