Gillingham could have just one fit experienced defender to face Peterborough United on Saturday.

Injuries have wiped out most of head coach Ady Pennock’s defensive options.

Chris Herd, Ryan Jackson and Deji Oshilaja all face an outside chance of being fit but none of them trained at the start of the week. Zesh Rehman is missing through suspension.

Pennock’s only other natural defender is Mitchell Dickenson. He made his first League start on Saturday, in the 4-1 defeat at Rochdale.

That heavy defeat means the Gills now have the worst defensive record in the division and Pennock will be turning to his midfield to help fill the gaps.

He said: “I just can’t believe it is all defenders at the same time, that is the problem.

“To have six out for Saturday (including long-term absentees Aaron Morris and Bradley Garmston) is a problem but we have to readjust.

“Who would have thought that coming into this part of the season we would have six defenders injured? It’s unbelievable.

“But I am not moaning, I’m not complaining, I’m not moping around. We are getting on with it, that’s all we can do.”

Pennock has been playing wing-backs in recent games, with midfielders Lee Martin and Ollie Muldoon dropping back.

Fit-again Scott Wagstaff will be a more natural option this weekend. Youngsters Aaron Simpson and Finn O’Mara are also on standby.

The lack of a settled side is something that has been a problem for the Gills since day one.

Pennock said: “We haven’t had a settled side since I have been here. It has not been spread out in the squad, it’s like the whole defence is out and it’s been difficult.

“When you are playing in defence and it is a settled back four, it does help. I don’t think Max Ehmer – the only regular – has had a regular partner and that is a worry because you are not settled.

“We readjust and do a lot of work because there will be people playing in different positions. They will all know their roles by the end of the week.”