Gillingham manager Gareth Ainsworth has confirmed the extent of Eli King’s injury.
King was injured in the 3-0 defeat at York at the end of September, going down in the first half without an opponent near him.
The midfielder only joined the Gills on deadline day at the start of September after recovering from an ACL injury suffered in August last year while playing for Cardiff.
But it’s a major blow for the Gills as he’s now been ruled out for the season, joining Kadeem Harris who suffered an ACL in August at Fleetwood.
“The two season absentees are going to be Kadeem Harris and Eli King, both with ACL injuries,” stated Ainsworth.
“Kadeem doing his first, Eli doing his second. Eli has had to have surgery. We didn’t want to break it before time, we had loads of tests just in the hope that we might not have to go down the surgical route but Eli’s had surgery on a second ACL operation. We feel for him.”
Ainsworth admitted while it’s a devastating blow for King, he has confidence that he can bounce back again.
“The selfish way will be to think that’s not good for Gillingham, many people will say that’s not good for Gillingham, (but) it’s a terrible situation for Eli himself,” said Ainsworth.
“I care about the boys just as much and he’s absolutely devastated but he’ll get back, he’s young enough and he’s a very good player.”
Ainsworth also revealed the duo have been joined on the sidelines by youth-team midfielder Alfie Cross.
All three are also being supported by Bradley Dack, who has suffered previously with long-term injury during his career.
“Bradley Dack’s been great with a couple of them,” said Ainsworth.
“We’ve got a young lad, Alfie Cross, as well, who did his cruciate. They say it come in threes and young Alfie’s probably the third one we’ve had the ACLs now.
“Bradley’s been great. I see him talking to them all and I think Kadeem and Eli are in touch and I know Alfie is as well. It’s probably a race of who can get back from their ACL the quickest.
“Eli’s been there, he knows what it’s about, but any football that those three would play this season would be unbelievable. It’s looking like they’re probably gone for the season, but anything else is a bonus.”
There was better news about captain Liam Gordon and on-loan Leyton Orient midfielder Zech Obiero.
Gordon was injured on the opening day of the season against Walsall while Obiero lasted just 18 minutes on his debut at Rochdale in early September.
“They’re both going to come back before schedule which is great,” said Ainsworth. “Liam Gordon especially, my captain.”
On missing those four senior players, Ainsworth added: “There’s four players who would probably walk into any League 2 side.
“I’m missing all of them for quite a big chunk of the season, it’s not been easy but there’s opportunities for people now to step up.”
