Gillingham Faces Injury Crisis Following FA Cup Defeat at Newport

Gillingham Football Club is grappling with a growing injury list following their recent FA Cup defeat to Newport County. The match, held on October 7, 2023, saw the team struggle not only with their performance but also with player fitness, further complicating their already inconsistent team selection.

The Gills entered the game without first-choice goalkeeper Glenn Morris, who had sustained an injury the previous week. Although Jonny Williams returned from suspension, he was unable to participate due to injury. The situation worsened during the match, as both captain Armani Little and defender Robbie McKenzie were forced to leave the field due to injuries. Little, who had recently regained a starting position after a month-long absence, felt discomfort at halftime, leading to Nelson Khumbeni stepping in for him. McKenzie, who had shifted to a defensive role for the FA Cup clash, was replaced by Travis Akomeah during extra time.

Assistant manager Richard Dobson provided insight into the injuries, stating, “Unfortunately, Armani Little felt something at half-time and Nelson got his opportunity. It just goes to show you’re always close. Never give up on it. Never stop training properly because the team needs you.” He added that McKenzie was experiencing tightness, which the team did not want to risk aggravating.

Williams’ injury stems from a recurring issue he has been managing. Dobson noted, “Jonny’s picked up something in training, something that’s been recurring for a little while that he’s been carrying. We’ll see how that one carries over the next couple of weeks.”

The club has also been without attacking midfielder Euan Williams since a pre-season injury, while loan players Jonny Smith and Garath McCleary have both been sidelined since late September. This spate of injuries has made it difficult for Dobson, who is already managing the team during Gareth Ainsworth’s absence.

“It’s changed a lot and the substitutions you’re making sometimes are forced again. Possibly not ones that we would have preferred to have made but it is what it is,” Dobson remarked. He emphasized the need to maintain focus and adaptability, stating, “There’s no point moaning about it, we’ve just got to get on with it.”

Despite limited playtime this season, Khumbeni took advantage of his opportunity, showcasing the unpredictable nature of football. Dobson had previously informed him of his exclusion from the squad, which left Khumbeni disappointed. “I had a conversation with him during the week and said to him, ‘You’ve just got to stay ready because you never know when the opportunity might come,’” Dobson recalled.

In the absence of Morris, Dobson expressed confidence in backup goalkeeper Jake Turner, who has been training well. “This is his moment, this is his chance. He’s going to have a run of games now and it’s up to him to show everybody what he’s all about,” Dobson stated. Turner has trained diligently, and his performance will be crucial as the team navigates this challenging period.

As Gillingham prepares for their next matches, the impact of these injuries will be felt keenly. With key players sidelined, the club must adapt quickly to maintain their competitiveness in the FA Cup and beyond. The focus will now turn to managing player fitness and exploring options within the squad to ensure they can continue to challenge in upcoming fixtures.