Plans have been made with or without some of Gillingham’s key men being around this weekend.

Boss Steve Lovell could be without defender Gabriel Zakuani, midfielder Lee Martin and forward Josh Parker for the FA Cup match against Carlisle.

Zakuani will be given the choice to rest while both Martin and Parker are recovering from knocks picked up in last weekend’s league match against Oldham.

Lovell said: “We have to see how they are and we have prepared with and without them for Saturday. Those three have played a big part of us this year.

“Josh got a bit of a knock on his knee. I think he is fine but it depends on how he reacts. Marts (who suffered a blow to the head from a clearance) has to go through procedures and hopefully he will come through them OK.

“I would like Gaby to play but he knows his own body and he has been brilliant for us. I will speak to him and see how he feels physically, as well as mentally.

“If everyone is fit I will go with the boys who have been starting because they deserve to play. I wouldn’t change things unless I had to.”

Alex Lacey is fit and took part in a midweek practice game after recovering from an ankle injury.