Gillingham v Crawley preview

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Gillingham are unable to welcome back any of their injured players for the visit of Crawley.

Midfielder Chris Whelpdale (ankle) as well as defenders Ryan Inniss and Michael Harriman (both hamstring) continue to watch from the sidelines.

Striker Danny Kedwell, having recovered from his hernia operation, has also suffered a setback after sustaining a knee injury and he now faces two to three weeks in the treatment room.

Gills go into the clash having lost their last three games and now sit just three points above the drop zone amid what is a congested battle for survival in League One.

Joe Walsh and Rory Fallon return to the Crawley squad for the trip to Gillingham.

Defender Walsh missed Tuesday night’s goalless draw against Stevenage as he was in the Wales Under-21 side beaten 1-0 by England’s youngsters on Wednesday, while striker Fallon played the last few minutes as New Zealand lost 4-2 in Japan.

Walsh should go straight back into the starting line-up, possibly at the expense of Paul Connolly, while Fallon is likely to be on the bench.

Boss John Gregory has no injury worries and is likely to rotate his squad with Dannie Bulman and Jamie Proctor pushing for recalls.

Gillingham v Crawley preview

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Dennis Oli will be assessed for Gillingham.

The striker was forced off with a knock after an hour of Saturday’s emphatic 3-0 victory at Cheltenham, a stunning result which leaves the eighth-placed Gills within one point of the play-off spots and just five behind sixth-placed Crawley.

Should Oli not pass a late fitness test then Jo Kuffour, his replacement at Whaddon Road, is likely to step in from the off to partner Danny Kedwell in attack.

Otherwise, changes are expected to be kept at a minimum from the weekend, with the incoming trio of Kedwell, Matt Fish and Jordan Obita – who bagged a brace – all having influential roles against the Robins.

Defender Joe Martin returns from his three-match ban but Danny Spiller, Charlie Lee and Lewis Montrose each remain suspended.

Crawley will check on defenders Lloyd James and Claude Davis ahead of the trip.

Right-back James had to be substituted during the first half of Saturday’s 3-2 win over Port Vale after taking a blow to the ribs.

Centre-half Davis joined him early in the second half after limping off with a knock.

Scott Davies came on for James and Josh Simpson replaced Davis, with Kyle McFadzean dropping back from midfield to partner skipper Pablo Mills at the back.

Full-back David Hunt (broken foot) remains on the sidelines and goalkeeper Scott Shearer (knee) is out for the season.

Shaun Batt and Warren Cummings will hope to return to the squad after missing out on Saturday due to the five-loanee rule.