Gillingham vs Sheffield United preview - Double doubt for Gills

Posted Friday, August 07, 2015 by PA

Gillingham are expected to be without captain Doug Loft and striker Cody McDonald for their home game against Sheffield United.

Midfielder Loft has been struggling for game time due to a calf injury and McDonald has been sidelined with a knee problem, but boss Justin Edinburgh has not ruled either player out of his plans for the season's opener.

Edinburgh made nine signings during the summer and five or six could make their debuts for the club in a new-look line-up.

Defenders Max Ehmer, Bradley Garmston and Ryan Jackson, striker Ben Williamson and midfielder Jordan Houghton, on loan from Chelsea until January, are all poised for their first appearances.

Sheffield United manager Nigel Adkins has several injury concerns ahead of his first competitive game in charge.

Striker Matty Done could miss the first eight weeks of the season after fracturing his collarbone in a pre-season friendly against Matlock at the end of last month and winger Jamal Campbell-Ryce (hamstring) will play no part.

Midfielder Ryan Flynn is still struggling with an Achilles problem carried over from last season and defender Terry Kennedy has yet to return to full fitness following a long-term knee injury.

New signings Martyn Woolford, Conor Sammon and Billy Sharp are all in contention, as is midfielder James Wallace, who hopes to have put his injury woes behind him.