Gillingham manager Gareth Ainsworth insists there’s no need to panic despite eight senior players missing pre-season action. The Gills, who finished 17th in League Two last season with 53 points (13W-14D-19L), are preparing for their third friendly against Millwall on Tuesday night. Ainsworth remains upbeat, stating most injuries are minor and players will return before the season starts.
What happened?
Gillingham’s pre-season has been disrupted by injuries, with goalkeeper Ollie Wright and seven others sidelined. Wright, who could return for the Carabao Cup clash with Luton Town, suffered a minor knock in training. Ainsworth confirmed, “He won’t play Tuesday, but he’s confident for the first game.”
Why it matters for Gillingham
The Gills boss emphasized the importance of not rushing players back. “I don’t want them chasing and catching up,” he said. “We’ll make sure they’re not undercooked.” With League Two’s competitive nature (Gillingham conceded 72 goals last season), avoiding long-term injuries is key. Ainsworth noted, “We’ve got a few two-weekers, four-weekers, but nothing major.”
What comes next?
Gillingham face Millwall on Tuesday, with strikers Will Goodwin and Ronan Hale expected to feature. Ethan Coleman and Cameron Antwi are progressing after injuries, while Garath McCleary’s fitness is being managed carefully. Ainsworth praised Seb Palmer-Houlden’s return, saying, “He looks leaner and meaner.”
The Gills, who ended last season with a 1-0 win over Shrewsbury, are on a two-game winning run in pre-season. Ainsworth’s focus remains on building momentum ahead of the new campaign.
