Gillingham are confident of having Robbie McKenzie back fit before the end of pre-season.

McKenzie watched Saturday’s game at Welling United with his right ankle supported by an air boot but manager Steve Evans is hopeful of seeing him back in action soon.

The former Hull City player can cover in defence or midfield and although he managed 41 appearances last season around half were from the bench. He did start the final two games of the campaign, taking over right-back duties from Ryan Jackson.

His versatility in a small squad is a major asset and Evans will be keen to see him back.

Commenting on the injury, Evans said on Saturday: “He blocked a shot in training and then rolled his ankle. He had an x-ray and it looks like we’re talking two to three weeks. We’ve put him in an air boot for four or five days to just take the pressure off the ligament, to allow it to heal. He should be back before the end of pre-season.

“Robbie had a problem with the ankle last year and was out for eight to 10 days, a very similar thing, maybe a little less, which is why we are thinking three weeks maximum.

“It just shows that when we lose one it really has an impact on us. If you are most other clubs in this league if you lose two or three they still have 18 first team players.”

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