Gillingham’s friendly at Leyton Orient was abandoned on Saturday after summer signing Lee Martin suffered a serious ankle injury.

The 29-year-old midfielder sustained the blow in the 76th minute as he attempted to cross a ball into the penalty area at the Matchroom Stadium.

He received eight minutes of treatment, after which managers Justin Edinburgh and Andy Hessenthaler agreed not to continue the game.

Gills boss Edinburgh said: “It’s not good news. From the physio’s assessment of it, it looks like a broken or dislocated ankle.

“It’s a bad injury but it’s been put back in place now, and he’s in the ambulance and is going off to the hospital.

“Our thoughts are with Lee. I know that his mum and dad were here today watching. We hope that he makes a quick recovery.”

The player joined the Gills from Millwall earlier this month, having spent the second half of last term on loan at Northampton, and he was inundated with messages from team-mates on social media.

Midfielder Bradley Dack tweeted: “Horrible to see that today. Puts everything into perspective, Thinking of you Marts, wish you a speedy recovery my boy.”

Injured defender Bradley Garmston posted: “Gutted to hear about Marts, hope he’s OK & the injury doesn’t keep him out for too long.”
Gillingham: Nelson, Jackson, Konchesky, Ehmer, Oshilaja (Osadebe H/T), Wright, Hessenthaler (Knott 61), Byrne, Dack (Martin 46 H/T), McDonald, Quigley (Donnelly 61).

Subs not used: Hadler, Oldaker, List, Cundle.

Attendance: 706 (147 Gills)