Gillingham boss Justin Edinburgh is sweating on the fitness of striker Cody McDonald ahead of Walsall’s visit tonight.

McDonald was forced off midway through the first half of Saturday’s loss at Bristol Rovers after a blow to the face left him with a heavily swollen eye.

He was replaced by Frank Nouble, who is set to take his place in an otherwise unchanged XI if McDonald is not able to start. That means Rory Donnelly, who is available after suspension, will have to settle for a place on the bench at best.

Midfielder Lee Martin (ankle) and defenders Bradley Garmston (knee) and Aaron Morris (knee) remain sidelined.

In what could turn out to be a pivotal week for manager Justin Edinburgh, with Charlton Athletic to come to Priestfield on Saturday, anything less than four points from the two games could cost the Gillingham manager his job.

Amadou Bakayoko is banned for Walsall after he was sent off for the first time in his career on Saturday.

The striker, who scored in the 3-2 win over Shrewsbury, received his second yellow after celebrating the Saddlers’ late winner.

Former Gills striker Simeon Jackson is poised to return after a pelvis injury which ruled him out of the derby victory.

Jackson has scored five goals for Walsall this season and will replace the suspended Bakayoko.