King was Gillingham's player of the season for 2008/09

Gillingham defender Simon King could make his long-awaited return in the next two weeks, according to manager Andy Hessenthaler.

The 27-year-old has not played a first team game since damaging his ankle in a friendly against Bromley in July 2009.

Hessenthaler told BBC Radio Kent: "We've got a game behind closed doors against Dagenham this week and then a game against Wycombe next Tuesday.

"If he gets two run-outs in those games then for me he won't need much more."

King was Gillingham's player of the year in their promotion winning 2008/09 season.

606: DEBATE Will his return be like a new signing, considering the fact he missed their entire relegation campaign and poor start to this season?

But the ankle injury he picked up against Bromley needed surgery two months later and he has not kicked a ball for the first team since.

Even when he is deemed ready to return, Hessenthaler says it will be a gradual process.

"We've got to protect the ankle as much as we can," the Gills boss said.

"We've got to manage him right - a bit like Ledley King at Tottenham - they do that.

"He's chomping at the bit, he can't wait but when he does come back and play on a regular basis he'll play and then rest.

We'll keep our fingers crossed as he's been doing lots of training with no reaction Andy Hessenthaler on Simon King

"For him to play a Saturday and then a Tuesday will be quite tough on him.

"But we'll have to wait and see how the ankle goes as we don't really know if it's going to react to a proper game situation.

"So we'll keep our fingers crossed as he's been doing lots of training with no reaction.

"I think everyone's excited that Simon's back amongst us."

Having been knocked out of the FA Cup, Gillingham's next game is not until Saturday, 4 December when they are at home to Rotherham in the league.

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