SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown has revealed Ben Coker does not need an operation to cure an ankle injury.

The left back - who picked up the problem during the 3-0 win against Bradford City in mid-November - was facing three months on the sidelines if he underwent surgery.

But medical experts have now decided Coker will not go under the knife and the defender is now expected to return within six weeks, much to the relief of Blues boss Phil Brown.

“It’s really good news from our point of view that Ben does not require a operation,” said Brown.

“Everyone knows he is a very important player for us and I think he’s the best left-back in the league if I’m honest so that speaks volumes about how influential he is.

“To be without him for three months would have been a real blow so this is really positive as far as we’re concerned.

“His ankle has really started to settle and the swelling has gone down too which we’re very relieved about.

“He’s still likely to be out for six weeks from now but the way Ben looks after himself it might be even quicker than that.

“He’s extremely professional in everything he does and that definitely works in his favour at times like this.

“But I’m just happy he’s not going to be out for three months because that would have been a huge blow for us and what we are looking to achieve this season.”

Coker has established himself as a regular in the Shrimpers starting line-up since signing for the club in the summer of 2013.

In his absence, Michael Timlin has moved from his usual midfield role to line up at left-back.

But John White and Harry Kyprianou are now both back fit and could provide an alternative option on the left hand side of the defence.

The Shrimpers’ first team are next in action against Oxford United in the Checkatrade Trophy at Roots Hall on Tuesday night.