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Watford loan midfielder Dan Phillips still receiving treatment but Mustapha Carayol and Ryan Jackson could be back soon for Gillingham

Gillingham hope to have a couple of extra players back training this week - but the news on Watford loan midfielder Dan Phillips isn't so good.

Phillips hasn't played a league game since a red card at Shrewsbury over a month ago and it's still uncertain when he will return.

Gillingham defender Ryan Jackson could be back soon Picture: Andy Jones
Gillingham defender Ryan Jackson could be back soon Picture: Andy Jones

There's better news for Mustapha Carayol and Ryan Jackson though, with both expected to be back training today (Monday). It might be too soon for either to be involved in the EFL Trophy match with Ipswich tomorrow (Tuesday) but they could be in contention for the weekend trip to Wycombe.

Assistant boss Paul Raynor updated the injury situation, saying: "Ryan and Muzzy are due back in full training on Monday. Maybe Tuesday is too soon for them possibly, we can't take any risks with such a small squad, we can't take a risk that they break down and are back to square one again but those two will be in full training with more of an eye on Wycombe.

"We were just seeing Muzzy come into his own but with the last kick in training he pulls a thigh muscle, it happens, but he was just starting to show what a player he is. These things are sent to test you and we have been tested, especially in recent weeks, but we dig in and if they aren't fit for Tuesday then maybe Saturday."

Loan man Phillips is still struggling, however.

Raynor said: "He has been up to Watford and it is going to be a bit more long-term with Dan. He is in great hands with the guys at Watford as well, he is here for his rehab work as well. Watford are looking at that one and it still looks as if it is going to be maybe four weeks."

The Gills did manage to get Vadaine Oliver out on the pitch against Wigan at the weekend, although Raynor admitted he wasn't completely over the rib injury that led to him being a doubt.

"He came through but I don't think he was bang on 100%," said the Gills assistant. "He told us he was and he was desperate to play, that is typical of V, you never know, you have to trust in what they say and he was desperate but it was a little bit sore.

"He wanted to be out there and wanted to give everything but I don't think he was quite at his best, possibly with that injury in mind, but he still gave us everything and was a handful."

Stuart O'Keefe returned after a shoulder injury but he wasn't fully fit either.

Raynor said: "We had to push him into service and at a push he could have gone on but we didn't really want him to, he was still feeling his shoulder a little bit. He wanted to be out there, he declared himself fit, he did say it a bit sore so there is that in your mind about erring on the side of caution."

Midfielder Alex MacDonald got through Saturday's game despite suffering a deep cut to his leg which was patched up during the game. The injury, caused by an opposition player's studs, was glued together.

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