Striker Cody McDonald is making rapid recovery from injury and could even be fit for the weekend.

McDonald was stretchered off in Gillingham’s opening game of the season, at MK Dons last week.

There were fears he could be missing long-term with a knee injury. But that problem has cleared up and only swelling to his ankle is now holding him back.

“Cody has got a chance for Saturday and so it’s not as bad,” revealed Gills boss Peter Taylor.

“His knee is good and the ankle is getting better. It is definitely looking better. We felt that once the swelling goes down he is not going to be too far away.

“Even on Friday he was feeling better. He won’t be fit Tuesday but he has a good chance Saturday.”

Jermaine McGlashan (hamstring) may also be ready for the trip to Barnsley.

“McGlashan is making very good progress and he probably has a chance for Barnsley,” said Taylor.

“Cody has a little chance for Barnsley and as you can appreciate, ever since the cup draw everyone seems to be getting fitter a lot quicker because they all want to get involved with the Newcastle game.

“We just have to make sure they are alright. It is no good just getting them back because they want to be involved in that.”

Gillngham did, however, pick up two injuries on Saturday, with Josh Hare and Joe Martin both departing on a stretcher.

“We are waiting to hear on Joe Martin and whether it’s a (knee) ligament injury,” said Taylor. “I can’t believe our luck at the minute.”

Hare was knocked out with a blow to the face from the ball. He may have to sit out the game against Swindon on Tuesday.

“Josh was knocked out and that surprised me a little bit because the balls are a lot lighter these days,” Taylor said.

“He was knocked out and we got him off.”