Barry Fuller should be back in action soon Picture: Barry Goodwin

by Luke Cawdell

Gillingham defender Barry Fuller has avoided the surgeon’s knife but will still miss this weekend’s match at AFC Wimbledon.

Fuller was rested for the Burton match to give his knee a rest after aggravating an on-going problem the previous week at Hereford.

Scans on Monday revealed no major problems and the 27-year-old right-back could be back to face Port Vale in a fortnight at Priestfield.

Boss Andy Hessenthaler said: "He has stretched the knee and he has a slight strain so there is nothing too major which is good news. He needs to do strengthening work but the weekend will come too early for him."

Midfielder Danny Spiller will also be absent again as he continues to seek a remedy to a problamatic ankle injury.

Hessenthaler is hopeful that the player will be back soon.

"Spills is nothing major but we will know a bit more when he has seen a consultant," said the Gills manager.

"He might need an injection to help the recovery. I don’t think the pair will be too long and it doesn’t look like either will need surgery which is good news."