Goalkeeper Jake Turner is expected to be back available for Gillingham’s season opener and others could be primed for a return too.

Jonny Williams made it back last weekend at Woking to get valuable minutes and George Lapslie - transfer-listed but still involved - also got game-time as an alternative for the “no.10” role.

Turner’s expected to be first-choice ahead of Glenn Morris this season. Morris will become Gillingham’s oldest-ever player if, and when, he eventually does feature again.

Manager Mark Bonner explained Turner’s omission at Woking, saying at the time: “Jake felt his ankle a little bit (on Friday) and he is fine. If we had a league game he would play.

“We (didn’t) need to risk that at all.”

Turner watched on at Woking as the Gills drew 1-1.

Also in the crowd was Ethan Coleman, who hasn’t played a minute of pre-season, but is gradually returning to fitness.

He won’t be available this weekend, however, as he plays catch-up.

Bonner, speaking at the weekend, was unable to give any timescale over injured forward pair Josh Andrews and Elliott Nevitt, making them doubts for the weekend too.

He’s expected to provide an update on Thursday (tomorros) during his pre-match press conference.

Midfielder Armani Little was expected to be in full training this week to put himself in contention.

When the players do return, Bonner will have plenty to think about.

He said: “That is what we need isn’t it?

“You can think about when everyone is fit but that is very rare when that happens, that scenario, and if it does then great but that means we have great competition.

“Whatever we have got (this week) we will go with the best we can and have a right go at the game.

“We will improve throughout the season as players become available and we still have opportunities to add to the squad as well. Hopefully we can keep getting stronger.”