By Luke Cawdell

With a week to go before the League 2 season kicks off, Gillingham manager Andy Hessenthaler is facing a worrying lack of firepower.

A serious injury to Adam Birchall has been made worse by knocks picked up by fellow frontmen Dennis Oli and Stefan Payne.

Their absence from Tuesday’s friendly with Leyton Orient left Danny Kedwell as the only fit senior out-and-out striker.

Hessenthaler, pictured, and chairman Paul Scally discussed the situation after the game and the club will attempt to bring in cover before the start of the season.

"We are over budget and so it’s not going to be easy," said Hessenthaler.

"The chairman can’t be praised enough because he has done fantastic and we have gone over budget. He has made things happen and has been different class. If we can identify somebody, he tends to try and make it happen, so we will wait and see."

Hessenthaler will be without Birchall for at least several months but was pleased Tuesday’s operation to repair cruciate knee ligament damage was a success.

"The knee was in a bit of a bad way according to the surgeon but he said the operation went well," Hessenthaler said.

"Adam will be in a knee brace for eight weeks but it was positive from the surgeon. We are pleased and let’s hope we can get him back on the pitch this season."

Do you think Gills can still make a good start to the season with a threadbare strikeforce? Have your say in our comments section below.