Chris Whelpdale receives treatment at Crewe and is a doubt for Tuesday's game at Barnet. Picture: Barry Goodwin

By Luke Cawdell

Gillingham boss Andy Hessenthaler’s attacking options for Tuesday's trip to Barnet have been reduced following an injury to goalscoring hero Chris Whelpdale.

The attacking midfielder was added to the injury list on Saturday after suffering a dead leg – just minutes after firing Gillingham into the lead at Crewe with a stunning goal.

Assuming Whelpdale fails to recover it will leave Hessenthaler with even less to offer in attack as his search for a striker to partner Danny Kedwell enters a third week.

"I think he will struggle for Tuesday," said Hessenthaler. "He has a dead calf from a kick and it’s really sore. He will be struggling to walk and I would say he won’t be available."

Jack Payne is also touch and go after walking off at the weekend with a hamstring injury.

The most pressing concern for Hessenthaler though is upfront but a new arrival before the trip looks doubtful.

Hessenthaler said: "We’ve had a number of agents in touch, lots of different strikers, and some from abroad.

"We know we need to bring someone in, someone who has a bit of pedigree, maybe someone to take on loan. We are talking but as yet we have been unable to do anything."

How big a loss will Chris Whelpdale be if he fails to recover in time to face Barnet? Have your say in our comments section below.