SOUTHEND United are sweating on the fitness of Barry Corr after the striker injured his ankle during Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Cheltenham Town.

Corr played through the pain during the second half against the Robins at Roots Hall.

But, with Freddy Eastwood still out with a knee problem and Cauley Woodrow suspended, Blues boss Phil Brown is hoping Corr will also not be forced on to the sidelines.

“Barry rolled over on his ankle during the game and it’s a concern for us because of how well he’s been playing,” said Brown.

“We’ll be monitoring him and the injury this week, we’ll be wrapping him up in cotton wool and hopefully he’ll be OK to play at Chesterfield this weekend.

“However, we also have to be sensible about it and not put him at risk of making the injury he’s got even worse.”

Corr has bagged four goals for the Shrimpers so far this season but has led the line well, often playing as a lone striker.

However, if he does miss out against Chesterfield then Blues will be facing a real striker shortage.

Eastwood has now not played for a month after being sidelined by a knee injury while the on loan Woodrow will miss Southend’s next two matches following his red card at Portsmouth last week.

That leaves the out of favour Craig Reid, who has yet to start a league game for the Shrimpers since signing in the summer, and 19-year-old Seedy Njie available to boss Brown.

But the Shrimpers chief hopes to have Eastwood will soon be back in action after stepping up his rehabilitation work.

“We had hoped Freddy would be able to be in the squad for the game against Cheltenham but he wasn’t quite ready in the end,” said Brown.

“Hopefully he can now get a good week of training behind him and be available for selection on Saturday.

“Touch wood we can get Barry out there too because it would be great to get in to the third round of the FA Cup.”