Gillingham boss Steve Evans is hoping that their prudent approach to injuries can pay dividends at the weekend, where they host last season's playoff finalists Lincoln City at the Priestfield Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The Gills have opted to play it safe in regards to fielding injured players, or those returning from various knock-backs. This saw Evans leave several players at home for their concluding pre-season fixture away to Premier League outfit Norwich City on Tuesday evening, with up to six players currently fighting to reach full fitness ahead of the weekend.

Captain Kyle Dempsey, Alex MacDonald and Ben Reeves were all left out of the squad that travelled to Norfolk, while John Akinde - who is strongly linked with the exit door after being placed on the transfer list - limped off shortly after being introduced at the break.

Meanwhile, they have been handed a defensive headache as Robbie McKenzie has missed all of their pre-season encounters, while Ryan Jackson did not complete 90 minutes.

New recruits David Tutonda and Max Ehmer are also both looking to reenter the fold after coming back from time off with COVID-19.

Evans remains optimistic though, telling KentOnline: "I think Ben Reeves and Kyle Dempsey have a real chance, it was about precaution (on Tuesday night). Vadaine Oliver and Olly Lee were taken off at half-time to make sure they are fresh and ready if selected.

"We hope to have those players available and it will be about whether they train Thursday/Friday. They will be in the treatment room. As soon as we learned they had little niggles (ahead of Tuesday), we said 'no', they were not involved.

"As a manager you have to listen to the medical team, they are the experts. I am hopeful we will have some of them available. We need our better players.

"I am expecting some of them to train on Friday. We have to pick a team, first and foremost to be competitive. Does it affect us when we miss Dempsey, Jackson, McKenzie and MacDonald? Of course it does. The likes of Dempsey and Reeves have been doing extra and in the last few days it has taken its toll a bit."

The Verdict:

To have so many integral first-team members ruled out through injury or just returning to action is less-than-ideal preparation ahead of what promises to be a fierce, competitive 46-game stretch in the third-tier.

A respectable 9th placed finish last term encapsulated progression at the club, but to keep chase towards a potential play-off finish, they will need to ensure they embark on a strong start and have their most important individuals present.

However, Evans has seemingly played his cards right by resting his key players in the midst of injury concerns, as having them sidelined for longer than scheduled would be even more detrimental.

No doubt, he will be hoping that they can make a positive transition back into action and hit the ground running.