Andy Hessenthaler believes the coming weeks could be a defining period in Gillingham’s League 2 campaign.

The Gills start a hectic run of games with a trip to Torquay on Saturday and then they face three successive midweek fixtures.

By the middle of next month they will have played another seven games and Hessenthaler said: "These next few weeks are going to be crucial. If we can come through and pick up some points, we’ll end up in a good position."

Joe Martin and Jack Payne could both be back involved this week after returning to training from injury. Fears that Danny Spiller could have broken a metatarsal bone in his foot proved unfounded after it swelled up following last week’s game against Northampton but he does have heavy bruising. Danny Jackman (knee), meanwhile, could be a doubt.

Hessenthaler now has more than 18 fit pros, meaning he will have to leave some players out of the matchday squad.

He said: "The key to success is having a strong bench and that’s going to help us in the next few weeks.

"It’s going to get tougher for me because it’s going to be hard to pick a bench soon. The boys are all chomping at the bit to be in the team and be in the 18. It’s a problem we haven’t had
this season."

Tony Sinclair (foot), Dennis Oli (hamstring) and Mark McCammon (ankle) remain out. Chris Palmer has had an operation on his knee and will be out for several more weeks.

How important do you think the next few weeks will be for Gillingham? Leave your comments below.