Southend United striker Britt Assombalonga faces late fitness test ahead of Gillingham clash (From Echo)

Southend United striker Britt Assombalonga faces late fitness test ahead of Gillingham clash

8:00am Tuesday 1st January 2013 in Sport By Chris Phillips

BRITT Assombalonga faces another late fitness check on shin and ankle injuries ahead of today’s game against Gillingham.

The on loan Watford forward missed Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at Burton Albion with the problems he picked up during the 3-0 win at Dagenham & Redbridge on Boxing Day.

But Blues boss Paul Sturrock will not select the striker if he is not fully fit.

“It’s a big game but we will not be taking any risks on Britt’s fitness,” said the Scotsman.

“I would say it’s touch and go on whether or not he will play but if he says he’s still feeling the injuries then he won’t be involved.

“He will only play again when he’s fully recovered from the injuries.”

Blues have no other injury concerns but Sturrock is contemplating making further changes to his starting line-up.

“We may have to freshen the team up because one or two looked quite leggy at the weekend but it’s a catch 22 situation,” said Sturrock.

“The players outside of the team haven’t played much football at the moment because we don’t have a reserve team so I don’t want to put them in and it’s a culture shock for them.

“It’s something I’ll certainly be giving plenty of thought to when it comes to picking the team.”

Southend United (from): Smith, Clohessy, Cresswell, Prosser, Barker, Mkandawire, Hurst, Laird, Timlin, Tomlin, Corr, Assombalonga, Straker, Eastwood, Phillips, Bentley, Martin, Donnelly & Leonard