Gillingham vs Wigan Athletic preview - McDonald set for Gills return

Gillingham striker Cody McDonald could make his first appearance of the season in the home game against Wigan.

McDonald, who scored 18 goals last season, has been sidelined with an ankle injury but may be included in boss Justin Edinburgh's squad.

Skipper Doug Loft (calf) is another player yet to feature for the Gills this term and he is not yet ready for a return to action.

Fellow midfielders Aaron Morris and Emmanuel Osadebe (calf) have both had setbacks this week in training and are not expected to be involved on Saturday.

Jason Pearce will be in Wigan's squad for the first time this season.

Having missed the first four matches with a leg injury, the centre-back played 90 minutes for the Under-21s on Wednesday and came through unscathed to confirm he would be back for Gary Caldwell's senior team at the weekend.

Caldwell may be reluctant to change the XI that defeated Scunthorpe 3-0 on Wednesday night, with Craig Davies likely to partner Will Grigg in attack again despite having to manage a minor injury problem since moving to the DW Stadium.

Midfield pair Emyr Huws and Tim Chow (both ankle) are still absent, as are Don Cowie (calf) and Grant Holt (knee).