Gillingham loan winger Jonny Smith’s injury frustration continued on Saturday as he ended the day on crutches.
Smith has only just returned to the starting line-up from injury and spoke pre-match about the frustrations he’d endured this season.
The Wigan loan man now faces another spell on the sidelines after limping off at Harrogate with just 18 minutes played.
Smith was clearly distraught as he left the pitch and speaking after the match, boss Gareth Ainsworth admitted there were concerns over the winger’s condition.
He said: “Johnny Smith obviously limped off and we’ll have a look at that. That’s upsetting for him. But he was happy at the end with the 3-0 victory, as were all the travelling fans.”
Ainsworth acknowledged how difficult the loan spell has been for Smith, who has struggled to get consistent minutes this season.
“Gutted,” said the manager. “Jonny has struggled for games this season. He’s not going to come off just for a little knock.
“The boy was almost in tears coming off and I understand that. I’ve been there.”
The Gills went on to seal a 3-0 victory with three second-half goals.
With Smith returning to the side recently, along with Garath McCleary and Aaron Rowe, it’s allowed Ainsworth to play his preferred 4-3-3 system.
They’ll now have to wait and see the extent of the latest injury, which appeared to be ankle related.
Ainsworth said: “It’s been a real tough loan for Jonny Smith. He’s part of the squad. He’s part of my boys and I’ll back him a whole way but unfortunately, it looks like he might have a couple of weeks on the sideline again.”
While the full extent of the injury is yet to be confirmed, Ainsworth admitted the early signs were not encouraging, even if there is hope it proves to be precautionary.
He said: “He’s a cracking lad. He really is and a good player as well.
“Hopefully, we can see that it’s not too bad. But, let’s say, coming off in the first half, limping off, and I think his on crutches just precautionary now. It’s not a good sign. Hopefully, it will only be a precaution and it will be a minor thing.
“He’s a good player, Jonny. And he showed last week exactly what he can do to teams. Hopefully, he’ll get fit again soon for us.”
