Andy Hessenthaler talks to the squad on Saturday Picture: Andy Payton

by Luke Cawdell

Gillingham boss Andy Hessenthaler has told his players that the coming week will be a big one as he finalises his side for the season opener on Saturday.

The Gills concluded their first-team pre-season campaign last Saturday and Hessenthaler now has the job of deciding which of his 26 players start and who misses out against Cheltenham at Priestfield.

"It’s a big week for them all," he said. "I’ve got a picture but somebody could still change my mind.

"It’s now a big week leading up to the Cheltenham game. We’ll be ready, the players are hungry and I think they’re excited.

Hessenthaler is waiting on the fitness of several injured players. Captain Barry Fuller (knee) is racing to be fit in time, while Curtis Weston (ankle) and Stefan Payne (dead leg) sat out Saturday’s goalless draw with Croydon Athletic as a precaution.

Hessenthaler also said loan signing Cody McDonald would be "struggling". A foot injury has meant he’s been restricted to just one brief pre-season outing.

Young striker Andrew White (hamstring) is ruled out while Jack Payne picked up a neck injury in Thursday’s match against Hearts and is also a doubt.

New signing Adebayo Akinfenwa could feature for the Gills tomorrow (Tuesday) as Hessenthaler sends a young team to Faversham. Akinfenwa is still fighting to get fit in time.

"He needs to get his weight back down to his playing weight and he knows that," said Hessenthaler.

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