GILLINGHAM were today facing the prospect of losing top scorer Marlon King for up to six weeks after he damaged a cartilage during the weekend 1-1 draw at Derby.

The injury rules the striker out of Saturday’s home game with promotion favourites Leicester and the FA Cup, fourth round tie with Leeds on January 25.

The news is a savage blow to the 22-year-old whose six goals in seven games before Saturday’s match underlined his return to match fitness following six months in prison.

Player-manager Andy Hessenthaler confirmed: “It looks as though Marlon is out of both games. It's a blow for him and it's a blow for us because he was enjoying his football.

“Marlon will have a scan but the doctor thinks he has damaged a cartilage and could require an operation. If he needs an operation he could be out for four to six weeks.

“We've been on a decent run and he’s been a big part of it. But we’ve overcome these problems before in the past because players have come in and done well.”

King’s injury leaves the door open for Rod Wallace to make an immediate return against Leicester, providing he convinces Hessenthaler of his recovery from a niggling hamstring problem.

It also puts him in line for a reunion with former club Leeds on Saturday week.

Gillingham today announced that they are retaining three of their six second year scholars.

Andrew Croft has been offered a two-year contract while Dean Beckwith and Jones Awuah have signed one-year deals.