Gillingham will be without loan defender Josh Pask throughout the festive campaign.

The 19-year-old is recovering from a torn hamstring and his parent club West Ham may decide to end the loan spell prematurely.

Pask joined the Gills on a season-long deal at the beginning of the season but lost his place in the team at the start of October, which led to him playing for West Ham’s development side.

It was during a run-out for the Hammers’ under-23s when he picked up his injury and it will be down to the Premier League side now whether he continues the loan spell for the remainder of the season.

West Ham have a break clause in the deal during the January transfer window.

Gills boss Justin Edinburgh said: “He is back at West Ham and we are assessing that but he won’t be available over the Christmas period.

“We will speak to West Ham and see what is best for Josh and what they feel is best for him and his development.”

Edinburgh has already said he is keen for all of the loan deals to continue for the remainder of the season.