Deji Oshilaja could return to the starting XI this weekend as the Gills make the short trip to Southend.

The Cardiff defender returned to Gillingham earlier this week after Bristol City loanee Adam El-Abd picked up a hamstring injury in the win over Crewe.

El-Abd has been back in training but boss Justin Edinburgh doesn’t want the player to aggravate the injury any further.

Oshilaja is back for the rest of the season and ready to go.

He said: “I am buzzing to be back as I had a good time here before and I am looking forward to getting playing again.

“I knew when my (previous) loan was about finishing with Gillingham that they wanted to extend it but Cardiff wanted me back to be around the team and I went back.

“While I was there Gillingham were still in contact, trying to bring me back. I was hopeful there was something that would happen and now I am here I am happy.

“It is nice to be back and the boys welcomed me in very well. I still kept in contact with them and so there was good banter. It is like home away from home here.”

Oshilaja was back in time to join his team-mates at the races in the week, where they met some familiar faces.

The defender said: “We saw some of the Southend boys at Cheltenham and had some banter. Everyone is looking forward to the game.”

Gillingham are expected to take around 2,000 fans to the game, as both teams look for promotion.

“It should be a good atmosphere and a very good game,” Oshilaja said.

“The mood in the camp is very strong and everyone is happy and optimistic of what we can do. We know what we will do if we play to the best of our ability.”

El-Abd will still be pushing Oshilaja hard for that place alongside Max Ehmer in the centre of defence.

But boss Edinburgh said: “We have to be cautious, as it is a hamstring, but he is a wily old fox and he feels that he will be available.

“We will rest on the side of caution. He has a massive part to play and his experience is going to be crucial in this run-in.”

Ryan Jackson could also be back after returning to training but Elliott List (hamstring) is another week away.