By Luke Cawdell

Adebayo Akinfenwa could be forced into taking a rest after injury problems caught up with the big striker against Stockport on Saturday.

A groin injury has been hampering Akinfenwa’s progress in recent weeks and the forward, pictured, had to be replaced early in the second half.

He will now be a doubt for Gillingham's visit to League 2 leaders Port Vale this weekend, although boss Andy Hessenthaler knows the striker will be doing all he can to be involved.

"He wants to play," said Hessenthaler.

"We nearly took it out of his hands (before the Stockport game) and said, ‘look, you need to get this right and rest and get your treatment’.

"It’s holding him back a bit and we’ll see what kind of week he has.

"I think he will be a doubt for Port Vale but we will see. For him to say he is struggling that’s enough because he’s an honest boy."

The 28-year-old has scored four goals in 11 league games for the Gills this season.

Can Gills cope against Port Vale without Akinfenwa? Have your say in our comments section below.