GILLINGHAM are facing the prospect of being without top scorer Marlon King for the start of next season after it was confirmed he needs further surgery on his left knee.

King had keyhole surgery on January 17 to repair the cartilage damaged sustained in the 1-1 draw at Derby on January 11.

Now he is to undergo further surgery on March 3 to have his cruciate ligament reconstructed.

This could keep him out of action for a further six to seven months.