Gillingham manager Mark Stimson has been dealt another injury blow with the news that loan defender Matt Fry will be out of action for up to six weeks.

The 19-year-old injured his knee in the 1-1 draw at Exeter and underwent surgery on New Year's Eve.

He has now returned to his parent club West Ham for rehabilitation.

Stimson is also without influential defender Simon King, who was injured during pre-season. Midfielder Danny Jackman is another long-term absentee.

Simon Royce, Garry Richards, Andy Barcham and Febian Brandy have also been missing in recent weeks.

Stimson is hoping that Fry, who has so far made 13 appearances for the Gills, will return to Priestfield once the tear in his knee cartilage has healed.

He has played a pivotal role this season in the heart of the Gills defence - which kept five consecutive clean sheets at home.

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