Southend United's Chris Barker and Mark Phillips doubtful for JPT final clash against Crewe Alexandra (From Echo)

Southend United's Chris Barker and Mark Phillips doubtful for JPT final clash against Crewe Alexandra

5:09pm Monday 18th March 2013 in Sport By Chris Phillips

MARK Phillips and Chris Barker are both struggling to be fit for the final of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy against Crewe Alexandra.

Phillips is currently sidelined with a broken toe, while Barker has a calf problem.

And Blues boss Paul Sturrock is not sure if they will be available for the Wembley showdown.

“Chris tried to start running again the other day but he had to stop and Mark hasn’t even reached that stage in his rehabilitation yet,” said Sturrock.

“They will be out for another couple of weeks and they will need to have played before the final if they want to be picked.

“But with the final being only 19 days away now I would say they both come under the doubtful category at this stage.”

Phillips has played once in five weeks after suffering an injury against Leyton Orient in early February while Barker has appeared just twice after also being injured at Brisbane Road.