Gillingham are already facing an injury crisis going into their opening League One fixture of the season on Saturday.

As many as six of Steve Evans’ squad face late fitness tests ahead of the clash against Lincoln City at Priestfield.

“The likes of (Robbie) McKenzie, (Ryan) Jackson, (Alex) MacDonald, (Ben) Reeves, (Kyle) Dempsey and (John) Akinde are all problems for tomorrow.”

Those were the words of Evans on Friday morning as he prepares his squad for the new campaign, followed by:

“There is nothing too long term but a lot of them are doubtful. We’ll train and take the medical advice.”

Dempsey, MacDonald and Reeves were all left out of the 5-0 pre-season loss to Norwich City at Carrow Road on Tuesday as precautions with Evans hopeful Jackson and McKenzie may be able to take some part at the weekend.

It doesn’t fill the Gillingham fans with a lot of hope ahead of the game with a threadbare squad already.

Gillingham have announced their squad numbers ahead of the game, with just 20 professionals listed. One of those, Henry Woods, is currently on loan at Dover Athletic.

That could mean Evans is forced to dip into the youth team to make up the numbers ahead of the clash with The Imps.

Lincoln will come to Priestfield feeling they will have a great chance to pick up all three points and Evans knows his side are in for a real test:

“I look at Lincoln now, and I think they’re much stronger now as a team. They may have lost one or two very gifted individuals that they had on loan, but I think they’re much better as a team now with the signings that they’ve made.”

The meeting between the two sides at Priestfield back in February saw the visitors come away with a 3-0 victory. However, a month later and Gillingham repaid the favour with a 3-0 win of their own at Sincil Bank.

The return of fans to Priestfield should be a celebration in itself and those that go will be hoping that the threadbare squad are able to put on a show after almost 18 months without being able to get to a league fixture.

With numbers already light, Evans will be looking at all of the options to bring in strength to his small squad, but no additions have been made in the days leading up to the opening game.

Winger Mustapha Carayol had been expected to sign for Gillingham this week after taking his place in the club’s photocall at Priestfield, but no announcement has been made and that seems to have been pushed back to next week.

A number of trialists have come and gone, with some still on the radar, but all eyes will be on Priestfield on Saturday. 3pm can’t come quick enough for many Gills fans.

Pre-season has been less than perfect, in fact it’s been nothing short of a nightmare for Evans and co with the entire squad having had to self isolate and games cancelled.

None of that will count come Saturday though. It all starts there and with the likes of Vadaine Oliver, Kyle Dempsey and Olly Lee in the squad, who knows where The Gills will finish come May 2022?

A top ten finish will once again be an achievement. Anything less and fans will be wondering whether the club are truly moving forward.

Picture supplied by Gillingham Football Club.