An injury to Gillingham defender Matt Lawrence means he is unlikely to be challenging for a place in the back four this weekend.

A return to the Gills defence was already unlikely for the 37-year-old after the back four kept a clean sheet at League 1 Leyton Orient on Saturday.

Lawrence (pictured) was suspended for that FA Cup game and looks set to miss out again, this time with an inflamed knee.

Hessenthaler said: "Matt has had a slight problem with his knee and he has had that for the last few weeks

"There is some swelling there and he may well need an injection."

The injection will hopefully reduce the inflammation.

On Saturday both Garry Richards and captain Andy Frampton earned special praise from Hessenthaler for the way they dealt with the threat from Orient’s front line. Full-backs Charlie Lee and Joe Martin were also on form.

"Whether he will be available or not we don’t know," said Hessenthaler on Tuesday.

"The back four have done great and Matt knows that, he’s not silly. He might well not be available again anyway."

Richards, who was strugglign with a rib injury, will be watched closely this week after picking up a slight injury himself.

"He (Richards) has got a tight groin but he should be okay," said the Gills boss. "There are a few knocks but nothing major that is going to set us back."

Chris Whelpdale has also returned to light training, after missing the last two games through illnes.

"He just needs a good week in training and then hopefully he will be available for the weekend," added the Gills boss.

Picture: Barry Goodwin

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