Stuart Nelson is expected to be fit for Gillingham’s Boxing Day clash at Peterborough.

The goalkeeper suffered swelling to his ankle after saving last Saturday’s penalty against MK Dons with his toe.

Nelson was due back in training on Thursday in time to keep his place for the Christmas trip.

Boss Justin Edinburgh, speaking on Tuesday, said: “He should be back in training in the latter part of this week. I expect Stu would be fit.”

Edinburgh will be hoping that’s the case as Reading’s loan keeper, Jonathan Bond, is still struggling with a groin injury and is a doubt for the game himself.

Edinburgh added: “It has taken a little bit longer than Reading expected but he could be back for Peterborough. We will see on that.

“Stu is in magnificent form but we would want Bondy back because we want that competition and know he is a value to the squad. Hopefully, we will have him back before the loan expires (on January 3).”

Utility-man Chris Herd is expected to be fit again while midfielder Billy Knott is still undergoing treatment for a hamstring injury. He received an injection on Tuesday morning to try and alleviate the problem.

Edinburgh confirmed that both Elliott List and Emmanuel Osadebe are fit and battling for a place in the squad, saying: “We have good competition, it is starting to get more competitive now and it’s no surprise to see us getting some consistency in results.”

Bradley Garmston, meanwhile, is continuing to try and get himself right having experienced problems in both hamstrings since recovering from a dislocated knee-cap.

Edinburgh said: “He picked up a hamstring injury at Brackley. That one was fine but then in re-hab coming back in he had a problem in the other one.

“He has been up at St George’s Park for a couple of weeks for some real intense rehabilitation and one-to-one stuff. Hopefully, he can come back and be ready to go but he is out for Christmas.”