Leyton Orient loan midfielder Zech Obiero suffers hamstring injury in Gillingham’s win over Rochdale and striker Will Goodwin picks up knock to his ankle – Gareth Ainsworth comments on continuing problems

Gillingham’s injury crisis deepened at Rochdale as new signing Zech Obiero’s debut ended after just 14 minutes when he was stretchered off with a hamstring injury.

The midfielder – a transfer deadline day loan signing from Leyton Orient - had only been on the pitch for 14 minutes when he fell to the ground, with fellow newcomer Eli King sent on in his place.

And at the same time, the Gills were forced into another change, with striker Will Goodwin picking up an early ankle knock.

It meant Gillingham had to make two substitutions with just 18 minutes played at Rochdale – although they went on to claim their first win of the season with a 4-1 victory.

Ainsworth admitted he was baffled by the number of injuries his squad has suffered.

“I honestly don't know what's going on here sometimes,” said Ainsworth.

“The luck that I keep talking about is going severely against us. I'm just hoping we get some [good] luck sometime. It evens itself out, because I can't keep losing players like this.

“It's really hard to see. I don't feel sorry for myself. I'll put another team out and I'll get on with it. I feel for the boys. Injuries are the worst thing you can have in football.

“Hopefully, we'll get players back soon. But, yes, it's terrible to lose two really key players on 15 minutes.”

Saturday’s result was a major boost for Ainsworth’s side, but the concern over their injury list continues.

Captain Liam Gordon and young goalkeeper Lennon MacLorg – a former Rochdale scholar – were both watching from the stands, the pair each with a leg brace and crutches.

Top summer signing Kadeem Harris suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury just three games into his Gills career, while youth player Alfie Cross suffered the same. Their