Gillingham manager Gareth Ainsworth says his squad is in a positive place ahead of a key home fixture against Bristol Rovers this Saturday. The Gills boss confirmed that forwards Will Goodwin and Zane Albarus are both close to returning from injury, boosting his attacking options for the match against the league's second-placed side.

"The boys are in a good place," Ainsworth said in an exclusive interview. He pointed to the team's recent form, which has seen them climb to 11th in League Two with nine points from six games. The Gills are on a two-game winning run after a 2-0 victory over Tranmere Rovers last weekend and a 4-1 away win at Rochdale the week before.

Injury updates and squad depth

Ainsworth provided specific updates on the fitness of several players. "Will Goodwin is really close, and Zane Albarus is really close," he stated, offering a significant lift ahead of the weekend. He also noted that Bradley Dack had suffered a minor setback but that it was not considered a major issue. The return of Goodwin and Albarus adds to the manager's sense of a deep and flexible squad, which now includes loan signings Lamin Sillah, Jack Daley, and Sheldon Kendall.

Sillah, who joined from Nottingham Forest, scored on his debut in the 4-1 win at Rochdale. Ainsworth highlighted the contributions of the club's academy graduates and the impact of recent tactical adjustments. In the win over Tranmere, the introduction of Garath McCleary and a deeper role for Ronan Hale proved decisive, with Hale creating the first goal for Logan Dobbs and then scoring the second himself. Dobbs' strike was his first for the club in front of the Rainham End.

Building momentum

The manager, alongside coaches Pete Gill and Stevey Craig, is focused on maintaining the momentum from the last two results. The 2-0 win over Tranmere showed the team's adaptability, with McCleary playing a key part in both goals. Gillingham's recent form reads two wins and three draws from their last five outings, a sequence that has solidified their mid-table position.

With eight goals scored and six conceded this season, Ainsworth believes the foundation is there for a push up the table. The next challenge is a significant one, hosting a Bristol Rovers side managed by Steve Evans. The Pirates sit just three points ahead of the Gills in the standings, making Saturday's clash a key early-season encounter. Ainsworth's confidence stems from having more players available and the tactical lessons learned from recent victories. The full squad list is available on our squad page.

Preparations are now fully focused on the visit of Bristol Rovers to Priestfield Stadium. Ainsworth's message is clear: with key players returning and confidence growing from back-to-back wins, his team is ready for the test.

More detail at Gillingham Football Club