Manager Andy Hessenthaler could get a further boost as Gillingham aim to emerge from a blank weekend with their injury woes behind them.

After back-to-back away wins, as many as five key players could come back into the Gills fold when they host high-flying Rotherham on December 4.

Simon King, who has not played since the League 2 play-off final in May 2009, is leading those nearing recovery and hot on his heels are Curtis Weston, Garry Richards, Andy Barcham and Dennis Oli.

The Gills will be putting their returning players under scrutiny over the coming days as they play Dagenham in a behind-closed-doors friendly at Beechings Cross today (Friday) and then face Wycombe in a Combination League reserve fixture on Tuesday night.

Hessenthaler (pictured) has been coping with a lengthy injury list for much of the season.

He said: "We’ve got a good squad of players and I can’t wait for my job to get even harder when the likes of King, Richards and Barcham return. It’s exciting.

"We have to monitor the boys coming back and see how they go. King will play the two games and whether he plays 90 minutes in them both, we’ll see."

Richards, Barcham and Weston are all set to play in the Wycombe game, while Danny Jackman will also be utilised as he looks to get back to full fitness after a long lay-off.

"We will use the time to recover and work hard again next week ready for a tough game against Rotherham," said Hessenthaler.

The Gills are out of action due to being knocked out of the FA Cup by Dover.

Hessenthaler’s squad will also be increased with the return of Josh Gowling, Connor Essam and Andrew White from loan stints. A fully-fit squad is 32 strong.

"Whether they are all available for the Rotherham game we’ll wait and see," said Hessenthaler.

The break also gives the likes of Adebayo Akinfenwa, Cody McDonald, Kevin Maher and Callum Kennedy the chance to shake off minor injuries.

Also hoping to make returns in the near future are Mark Bentley, Mark McCammon, Jack Payne and Dean Rance.

The Gills camp is a happier place after back-to-back away wins.

Hessenthaler said: "Football is great when you are winning, it’s fantastic. When things aren’t going well you are down in the dumps. Just ask my wife!

"Hopefully the players can take massive confidence now and real belief in the camp that we can go on from here and who knows."

How much of a difference will the incoming players make to the Gills? Comment below.