CHRIS Barker will miss tonight’s trip to Barnet with an Achilles injury, but the Southend United skipper is not facing an extended spell on the sidelines.

The Blues left-back was forced to hobble off in the first half against Wycombe Wanderers at the weekend and was seen leaving the stadium on crutches.

But Southend boss Paul Sturrock feels Barker could soon be back in action.

“Chris won’t be playing tonight which is a blow but it’s not a long term problem he has with his Achilles,” said Sturrock.

“He should be back in a week or two which is good news because Achilles injury can sometimes be quite serious.”

Blues will also be without midfielder Marc Laird (hamstring) and Gavin Tomlin (thigh) but the pair of them have both resumed running and Sturrock also feels they could be back in action within a fortnight.

Mark Phillips (broken toe) will also miss out tonight while Bilel Mohsni serves the last of a three match ban following his sending off against Northampton Town.

And Sturrock feels recent results show Barnet will be tough to beat tonight.

“They’re unbeaten in three, drew with Port Vale and went and won at Rotherham not so long ago as well so we’re in for a very difficult night,” said Sturrock.

“They have some very good players and will be hard to be beat.”

Among those likely to line up for Barnet is player manager Edgar Davids who has made 18 appearances for the League Two side this season.

The former Dutch international combines his playing duties with also bossing the team and Sturrock is pleased to see the former AC Milan star starting his managerial career at a low level.

“I think it’s great that someone like Edgar has started in League Two and is prepared to get his hands dirty,” said Sturrock.

“I think it’s the best way to learn your trade, instead of being put in control of a big club straight away.

“It will do him good and he’s got Barnet playing some good stuff in a solid shape so it should be a good game this evening.”

Sturrock looks set to make changes to his starting line-up for the trip to Underhill with Anthony Straker replacing the injured Barker at left-back.

Midfielders Matthew Lund and Ben Reeves are also pushing for recalls.