Gillingham are preparing to face the League 2 leaders Port Vale without their two main strikers.

Adebayo Akinfenwa (below) is definitely out of Saturday’s clash and striker partner Cody McDonald (right) is rated as extremely doubtful.

Between them they have scored almost half of Gills’ league goals so far this season.

The news is yet another blow for manager Andy Hessenthaler who has been hampered by injuries to key men all season.

"As per usual with this club we’ll have to change the team because of injuries," said Hessenthaler. "It looks like both forwards will be out. It’s crazy and it’s just how it’s been going this year."

Akinfenwa has been nursing a groin strain for some time but needs a 10-day rest period, while McDonald has a grade one calf strain, something that could get worse without time on the sidelines.

"For the sake of one game we may have to make sure he’s right for Torquay which is the next home game," said Hessenthaler.

McDonald has been in good form of late with three goals in four games. He was only just returning to full fitness after missing most of pre-season through injury.