Sidelined defenders set to return

Defenders John Egan and Brennan Dickenson could be back in contention to start for Gillingham this weekend. Both missed the victory over Doncaster last weekend through injury but Gills boss Justin Edinburgh is hopeful the pair can make a speedy recovery. He said: “I am hopeful. As we saw leading up to last week, things don’t always work out and just when you think things are going to plan, they can change. “I am sure the fans looked at that team and were thinking what the hell has gone on?” Egan and Dickenson were joined by Adedeji Osilaja on the sidelines last weekend. All three suffered knocks that kept them out. Oshilaja is the one who is furthest away from making a return. His knee injury may keep him out for a further week. Edinburgh said: “It may be a little too soon for Deji, he is improving well but we could get two of the three back for Saturday.” Doug Loft and Cody McDonald started the Doncaster game – making their first starts of the season following their own injury problems – and neither suffered any ill effects from the game. Luke Norris limped off with cramp and Bradley Dack had stitches in a finger injury but both are fit to face Blackpool tomorrow (Saturday). Midfielder Aaron Morris, out since the opening game, could also come back into the frame this weekend. “He is back in training and if he has a full week, then he could come into the squad,” added Edinburgh. Egan’s return will mean Doug Loft can revert to midfield, a relief for Edinburgh, who admitted his squad’s limits were stretched after being down to just one fit centreback. Loft partnered Max Ehmer in defence. “Without question, we got away with it and that is credit to Lofty and Max,” Edinburgh said. “We were stretched and it was taken to the max but we overcame it.”