Text at top (next game etc)

Next Game: Away At Leamington In The League On New Years Day At 3.00pm

Thursday, February 02, 2012

Hessenthaler Assessing Injuries

Gillingham boss Andy Hessenthaler will assess a string of injuries before naming his side to face the Bulls.

Defender Chris Whelpdale missed last week's loss to Accrington with a knee injury, but it was not as bad as first feared and he is expected to be fit to face the Bulls. Striker Dennis Oli is still suffering the effects of a concussion, while midfielder Jack Payne is being monitored after being subbed off with an ankle knock last Saturday.

Midfielder Danny Spiller is back in training after four months out with an ankle problem, but is unlikely to be risked this weekend, while Hessenthaler will have to decide on whether to persist with keeper Ross Flitney or hand a first League start to teenager Paulo Gazzaniga. The Argentinian debuted in the League last Saturday after a disasterous 45 minutes from Flitney, with Hessenthaler telling the press he would have no problems fielding the 19 year old:

“Looking at him in training, from what I saw of him he looked absolutely phenomenal. Whether that’s because he can smell his chance, that could well be the case. He’s breathing down Roscoe’s neck, Roscoe’s under pressure like the rest of us because we’ve got to get results.”

6ft 5in Gazzaniga started his career with Spanish side Valencia before signing a two year deal at Priestfield in the summer.