Ricky Holmes is back with parent club Sheffield United after failing to shake off his injury problem.

The playmaker joined the Gills on loan at the end of January, hoping to get fit and play a part in the end-of-season run-in.

But Holmes’ original target of early March came and went and boss Steve Lovell recently said it was unlikely he would feature for the club. He confirmed on Monday that Holmes won’t play for the Gills.

“He is done for this year, he won’t play,” said Lovell, who is preparing to face one of Holmes’ former clubs, Charlton, this weekend.

The 31-year-old midfielder started the season on loan at Oxford but they cut short the deal after discovering

the seriousness of his back injury.

Gills’ medical team attempted to get the problem fixed and Lovell hopes their efforts may help swing any future deal in their favour.

Holmes has another year left on his contract with the Blades but could be available next season.

Lovell said: “He still has a contract at Sheffield United and it is up to him to work something out there, but you never say never do you?

“If he gets something sorted there I would love to have him next year.

“The first thing he has to do is get over this injury, to get it 100% right.”