Jake Hessenthaler could make a swift return to the Gillingham team at Chesterfield.

The 20-year-old missed Saturday’s game at Bristol City through illness.

It ended a run of 15 consecutive starts for the young midfielder.

But boss Justin Edinburgh is hopeful he will be fit for Tuesday night's game.

Edinburgh said: “Hess went down with illness on Friday night, with tonsillitis and his throat was closed up. We didn’t want to risk it spreading around the group.

“It was disappointing for him but he was quick to text the players to say well done and congratulate them on a fantastic result.

“He has antibiotics in him now and they should show some improvement there. I am hopeful.”

Fellow midfielder Josh Pritchard missed out with a hamstring injury. He is being closely monitored.

With those two absent, Edinburgh handed Aaron Morris his first start since returning from a two-month injury lay-off.

“Morris got stronger as the game went on,” said Edinburgh.

“He was pivotal in the deep lying midfield role.”

Defender John Egan took a nasty fall at the weekend, injuring his neck, back and knee, but lasted the 90 minutes on Saturday. Gills will be hoping he comes back 100% for the midweek clash.