Robbie McKenzie is unlikely to be back for Gillingham’s Tuesday night trip to Stockport.

Manager Neil Harris admits they have missed the versatility of a player mostly used as a full-back but capable of operating right across the park.

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“Tuesday is very unlikely - next Saturday is a lot more positive,” said Harris. “With a groin injury, until you start kicking balls you don’t really know to be honest.

“As much as he feels better in his movement patterns, he is not back on the grass running in straight lines.

“Cheye (Alexander) and David (Tutonda) have done really well for us but Lewis (Page) coming in is a bonus for the future but at the moment I do think we miss Robbie’s versatility and reliability.”

Harris has said he won't rush Page into action - preferring the defender to get fully fit first.

Alex MacDonald came off the bench on Saturday after overcoming an illness.

“I’m really pleased to have him back in the group,” said the Gills boss.

Fellow midfielder Dom Jefferies missed out at the weekend after picking up an ankle injury in the midweek game against Bradford.

“We don’t think there’s any ligament damage but he certainly wasn’t ready (for Saturday),” said Harris.

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Midfielder Timothee Dieng did make it back for Saturday after a week out with concussion.

Harris said: “He is a seasoned pro, an experienced player, has got real quality and added so much to us since coming in January and just felt it was right to put him back in.

“We thought he might be slightly behind the curve with it. Thursday late on he saw the doctor and was a lot more positive and he came in Friday and ticked the box by taking part in a bit of contact training, which gave us the option of bringing him with the view of being involved.

“I felt that with fresh legs and fresh energy and determination to want to play I thought it was right to bring him back in.”