Defender Alex Lacey is struggling to be fit for the season opener at Doncaster next week.

He hasn’t played since Gillingham’s first game of pre-season at Faversham on July 7, missing the last five games with an ankle injury.

Summer signing Lacey – a key man for League 2 Yeovil last season – is a doubt for the weekend double header in Essex.

Gills coach Jamie Day said: “He had done some running but he is going to be doubtful for the weekend. If he does enough after that and shows his fitness, then he stands a chance. He does have time.”

Striker Conor Wilkinson, meanwhile, looks like a better bet to make the start of the League 1 campaign. He is also recovering from an ankle injury after turning it in last week’s win at Chatham.

Day said: “He has been progressing nicely and if he gets enough minutes in at the weekend, then he will want to play the first game. We would want someone of his stature playing as well.”

Goalkeeper Stuart Nelson could be back involved, with Tomas Holy and Tom Hadler playing a half each in midweek.

Defender Gabriel Zakuani was rested for the Patro Eisden match and will be back in the Gills squad this weekend.

“Gabs is fine, it is just at his age,” said Day. “We have to take a little bit of care with him. We don’t want to overdo it.”

The 31-year-old looks set to be a mainstay for the Gills next season.

Day said: “He’s a proper defender, who heads, kicks and defends. That is something we didn’t have last year. He is aggressive in his play, he throws his body on the line and that is what you need.”