Gills boss Justin Edinburgh hasn’t given up hope of seeing skipper Doug Loft back playing before the end of the season.

He has already seen Bradley Dack, Cody McDonald and John Egan return from injuries quicker than expected and will be hoping for the same from Loft.

The 29-year-old Gillingham captain hasn’t played since last month’s 3-0 home win over Crewe due to a problem with the soleus muscle, which connects the Achilles to the calf.

With a chance of winning promotion, everyone wants to be involved.

“He is pushing,” said Edinburgh, when quizzed about the midfielder’s rehab.

“Nobody wants to miss these games and it’s what we are in football for. You don’t want to be mid-table or anywhere else.”

Loft has had injury problems all season. Even before his latest set-back he told the Messenger that this season had been

his most frustrating to date

.

The Gills medical staff want to make sure when he returns the problems don’t return.
“He has to be cautious,” said the manager.

“He has had a few problems with the Achilles and the calf and we want to make sure when he gets back he doesn’t get a further injury or recurrence. I haven’t written him off for the season, certainly not.”