Manager Gareth Ainsworth says there’s no “rhyme or reason” behind Gillingham’s current run of injuries.
The likes of Josh Andrews, Lenni Cirino and Nelson Khumbeni have been added to those on the sidelines.
“It’s tough,” said Ainsworth. “I feel for the medical and sports science guys because sometimes there’s no rhyme or reason.
“We’ve got a couple in there that are just freaky injuries. That happens, you know, Lenni’s had an impact in training.
“Nelson’s had something that you wouldn’t even associate with football. So, losing a couple of players in the last minute, Sam Vokes and Josh Andrews, I just want them to get back for the Christmas period.
“I think we can get by against Barrow and Fleetwood but then we’ve got four huge games, including Colchester back at home.
“We’re going to do our best to try and get a full squad because I’m going to need them all.
“Andy Smith, another one I’ve not even mentioned, wow, what a player he’s been this season.
“So, we’ll try and get them all back and we’ll be a lot stronger for it.”
Shad Ogie did return for the Gills on Saturday, replacing Akomeah after he pulled up with cramp.
Ainsworth was still missing keeper Glenn Morris, winger Jonny Smith, defender Conor Masterson and midfielder Euan Williams.
On Andrews’ absence, Ainsworth added: “It’s a muscle in training, but hopefully it’s not as bad as we first thought.
“We’re going to try and involve him next week or the week after.
“But it’s nothing like what he went through last year. He had a pretty big nightmare last year.
“Josh is in a good place and he’s desperate to get back.”
It meant a first league start for on-loan defender Travis Akomeah at Colchester.
Ainsworth was impressed with the teenager.
“He really took his opportunity,” added the Gills boss.
“I think that he’s learned plenty about playing in League Two, because he’s been at Chelsea, he’s been at Watford in the Under-23s. He got battered about (on Saturday) and ended up coming off with cramp.
“That tells me he’s given everything and that’s all I ever want.”
