By Matthew Panting

Gillingham boss Andy Hessenthaler is confident that Tony Sinclair will not be joining his fellow defenders on the treatment table for too long.

Sinclair (pictured), who had played every minute of Gillingham’s previous matches this season since joining from Woking in the summer, came off with 20 minutes left against Shrewsbury on Saturday with a back injury.

With centre-backs Simon King and Garry Richards ruled out, the last thing Hessenthaler wants is another long-term problem.

"We’ll have a look and see how he is in the next couple of days," said Hessenthaler. "He is very athletic so let’s hope he is okay for the weekend."

Hessenthaler confirmed that Richards will see a second consultant about his ankle injury on Thursday.

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