Gills boss Justin Edinburgh hopes their injury nightmare helps bring the squad together when it matters.

New signing Lee Martin and Aaron Morris could both be out for a year after suffering traumatic injuries.

Bradley Garmston’s dislocated knee means he misses the opening months and newcomer Scott Wagstaff will have to wait for his debut after suffering a calf injury.

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Edinburgh’s side kick off their League 1 season with a trip to Southend United on Saturday, where they will be backed by 2,000 travelling fans.

He said: “Our thoughts are with the players who picked up some serious injuries over pre-season. I think that will make us stronger and more together and more determined.

“It has been difficult to take, there is no hiding behind it, but we have to move on and be focused and make sure we are ready for the start of the season, which we will be.”

Morris suffered a cruciate injury early on in pre-season and Martin broke dislocated his ankle at Leyton Orient last Saturday, forcing the match, which the Gills were losing 2-0, to be abandoned.

VIDEO: Justin talks ahead of the season.

Edinburgh admits his team needed a lift after suffering another blow.

He said: “After seeing the severity of the injuries I think they did. Lee had an operation on Monday and, sod’s law, it was worse than first feared. He looks like being out nine to 12 months.

“It is disheartening for the group and it’s the same for Aaron Morris.

“It put the group on the backfoot but it is my job to make sure we are ready come Saturday and the first game of the season.”

Defender Deji Oshilaja looks okay to start the game after returning from injury last weekend, playing 45 minutes against Orient.

The Gills could come up against former player Jermaine McGlashan.

Edinburgh said: "We know what Jermaine is capable of and we will be fully aware but they have other good players in their squad.

"If we are going to be successful it is going to be about how we perform and apply ourselves and I have every confidence in the players to do that."