Zech Obiero set for lengthy absence with double hamstring injury

Obiero, who had been a part of Orient's first-team squad through the early matches of this season, and had only trained once with the Gills after his signing late on Deadline Day, took a nudge while sprinting for the ball and went down holding the back of his thigh.

Footage of the game then showed him being led off the pitch, holding both hamstrings. And, during his pre-match interview with Gills TV ahead of this weekend's home game with Tranmere Rovers, Gillingham boss Gareth Ainsworth was gobsmacked at not just another major injury, but such an unusual one, as his newest signing was ruled out for a lengthy spell after less than 20 minutes on the pitch.

"Zech is going to be out for a few weeks," he said.

"Listen, freakishly ridiculous injuries at the moment – I can't believe it. I've never known anyone do what he's done as an injury, both legs. But he was running at full pelt, and he got a nudge, and he just put him off balance a bit, and he's done damage to his legs in that way.

"It's like the Liam Gordon nudge, then Kadeem, no one near him, just goes around on the grass.

"They come in threes, That's probably three quite long, sustained periods out, and all three of them are really freaky injuries. No rhyme or reason. You can't say that's down to training. Zech only trained with us [for] one day! It's unbelievable, and he's been fit all pre-season."

There was better news on the other player who was withdrawn early at Spotland. Striker Will Goodwin was subbed off at the same time Obiero was taken off, leading to more concerns over another injury to a significant player. But Ainsworth was relieved to say that his striker's injury concern isn't as bad as first thought.

"Will's nowhere near what we thought he was, so that's great," said Ainsworth.

"Will's going to be fine."

The Gills boss also said that another of his season's big performers – midfielder Zane Albarus – could be coming back into contention soon after resuming training recently.

"We've trained well this week," he said.

"Boys have come back [after] one or two knocks, but like I say, even Will could be in contention now, so that's great. We've got Zane as well on the grass, so real positive news."