Gillingham manager Steve Evans admits John Akinde’s injury is “baffling everyone.”

Transfer-listed striker Akinde has been limited to just one appearance this season after suffering an injury - one that has left the medical team scratching their heads.

Evans transfer-listed the striker in the summer, as he wanted different options up top, but apparent interest from Southend and Grimsby has come to nothing and a possible move to League 2 Bristol Rovers was ruled out by the front-man.

The Gills boss was left with just one fit striker for the midweek Carabao Cup match against Cheltenham Town. With teenager Gerald Sithole missing with Covid, Evans played Vadaine Oliver, and he went off injured.

Evans was asked about Akinde’s injury and the Gills boss said: “John Akinde is baffling everyone, the medical and science people, but we have to accept it when he says it is sore. They can’t find anything wrong but we have to accept it and get on with it.

“I don’t for one minute think John is making it up, but is harsh on us. John said he is feeling it, the medical staff tell me they don’t know what it is, he’s had scans, checks and everything. I don’t disbelieve him, sometimes you feel ailments and there is no real medical reason why you do.”

Evans says they now have “a massive problem” and will be hoping to meet with chairman Paul Scally in a bid to bring in reinforcements.

More on the Gills;

• Boss Evans could be left "considering his options"

• Report: Gills lose on penalties to Cheltenham