Gillingham boss Andy Hessenthaler will hope Chris Whelpdale has shaken off his illness in time to travel to Macclesfield this weekend.

The midfielder (pictured) has missed the last two matches and his latest illness caused Hessenthaler to change his matchday plans just hours before the FA Cup game with Leyton Orient.

"It is not easy when you get the dreaded phone call at 9am," said the Gills manager.

"We had done all that work on Thursday and Friday leading up to this game and then one of the players, who was in the starting eleven, pulled out. All of a sudden we had to make a change."

Whelpdale also missed the previous game, against Bradford, with a chest infection.

Stefan Payne was promoted from the bench to give him only his third start for the Gills.

"We kept the same shape," said Hessenthaler. "Stefan played out there and with his pace, endeavour and enthusiasm he caused problems. He did well for the time he was on the pitch."

Simon King, meanwhile, missed the match through injury.

The Gills defender, who has been troubled by ankle problems for the last two years, was ruled out with a knee injury.

King, the 2008/09 player-of-the-year, has yet to feature for the Gills so far this season.

Hessenthaler said: "He picked up the injury against West Ham (in a reserve game) and needs a bit of rest."

Picture: Barry Goodwin

Do you think the Gills have missed Whelpdale? Comment below.