Unlimited Digital Access / Get £25 off your Annual Digital Subscription! Use code 25OFF
GET STARTEDMore on KentOnline
SKIPPER Paul Smith has fallen victim to Gillingham’s injury jinx with the news that he is almost certain to undergo surgery after tearing a cartilage in his right knee on the last day of the season.
Just when player-manager Andy Hessenthaler believed the club’s injury problems were behind them with the close of the season, he learned that the player, whose name is always first on the team-sheet, may face a race against time to be fit for the start of pre-season training on July 3.
Smith, who thought he had broken his right leg following a collision with Palace goalkeeper Alex Kolinko, underwent a scan at London’s Whipps Cross Hospital on Thursday night. It revealed a torn cartilage, soft tissue damage and bad bruising.
Smith, who was looking forward to putting his feet up in the close season and spending time with new daughter Brioney, said: “I think a decision will be taken today (Monday) as to whether I’ll need an operation.
“But when a player tears his cartilage it normally mean an operation. I would think it will involve keyhole surgery and that I’ll have to rest for three weeks. After that, it will be a matter of working exceptionally hard to be ready for pre-season."