Sam Vokes will not play in their season opener, according to manager Gareth Ainsworth, despite the fact that his squad choices have increased this week.
Winger Aaron Rowe may miss the first weekend of the League 2 season, while Vokes, the big summer acquisition, will not.
Although winger Rowe has missed the entire preseason thus far, Ainsworth anticipated that Vokes would require some time to recover from a severe arm injury sustained at the end of the previous campaign.
The good news for the Gills is that Elliott Nevitt, Nelson Khumbeni, and young defender Logan Dobbs all had their first games of the summer in front of the fans over the weekend, while Sam Gale is expected to return this week after taking a few days off.
With a 25-man roster for the friendly against Luton this weekend, Ainsworth isn't lacking choices. Regarding those rejoining the team, Ainsworth stated.
"It was amazing to watch Elliott Nevitt and Nelson Khumbeni both make the pitch.
It goes without saying that we want Aaron Rowe and Sam Vokes to return and play. A little farther out, Euan Williams has a shoulder ailment.
We will be fiercely competitive, in my opinion. Choosing the team will be difficult. Although I have considerable depth in the squad, I believe some of the younger boys will realise that they will need to play in other games.
"It will be fantastic because Sam Gale will be returning soon. We have the support of young Harry Webster and Harry Waldock. These players are now supporting this next stage as it emerges.
The manager stated that Gale's absence from the matches against Southampton and Luton Town was a precaution.
He said, "I think he'll be back this week, which will be great for us.
" But we will not endanger anyone. We have Logan Dobbs to help them, in addition to my four outstanding center-halves.
We also have a couple utility players who can cover that role, so there are no worries there. We will not endanger anyone.
"Sam was excellent for me towards the end of last season, so we'll make sure he's at 100%. An important member of this team.
Ainsworth responded, "Vokes, definitely not," when asked if Rowe and Vokes will be healthy for the season opener on Saturday, August 2.
A plate was inserted into his arm. It was a bad break, I believe.
There was some harm to his nerves. Sam Vokes had a fractured arm, so we knew right away that he wouldn't be able to play in that first game. They are time-consuming.
Near the end of the preseason, he is reaching the contact stage, after which he will most likely return to match fitness. Before we can begin playing him, there will be a slight build-up for him.
"Hopefully, near the beginning of the campaign, Aaron Rowe will be in and around it. Aaron finds it to be a frustrating one. He has put in a lot of effort. Sometimes you hurt yourself when you put in a lot of work during the off-season.
He is an excellent player and a great guy who will play. But once more, we'll exercise caution with them both. Tomorrow, Tuesday night, the Gills will go to play.
Nevitt, Khumbeni, and Jonny Williams, who is back to playing, will try to get more playing time after missing the first few games of the preseason.
"I'm happy with where we are," the Gills manager continued.
Read more at;https://www.allsportnews.co.uk
0 Comments