Gillingham’s injured players are all pushing to be fit ahead of schedule.

John Egan, Cody McDonald and Bradley Dack are all out and not expected to be back until April.

Boss Justin Edinburgh doesn’t want to bring them back too early but has been impressed with their progress.

He said: “Cody is now back on the grass, he has his boots on, so progressing fantastically well.

“John Egan is straight-line running now and that is a boost.

“Dack is looking to overcome all the elements and looking to get back quicker than anyone has ever done before.

“They are all ahead of schedule but we have to be cautious because that is them having that desire and wanting to get back into the team and playing these last 11 cup finals.

“We have to err on the side of caution because as a player, I know myself, I would be pushing to the limit to get back and that is the kind of people we have. They are all ahead of schedule and could be back sooner rather than later.”

Edinburgh is confident Adam Chicksen and Ryan Jackson will both be back to face Crewe on Saturday.

Loanee Chicksen missed the Scunthorpe match last weekend with illness and Jackson’s knee injury kept him out.

Doug Loft has been coping with an ankle injury but is expected to be available.