SOUTHEND United goalkeeper Mark Oxley fractured his elbow on his return to action at Dagenham & Redbridge.

Oxley had recovered from the initial elbow problem he picked up just before Christmas.

But Blues boss Phil Brown is now facing up to another spell without the shot-stopper.

“It’s just a complete freak injury from Mark and unfortunately x-rays have shown he’s fractured his elbow,” said Brown.

“Mark had been signed off by the surgeons from the first elbow problem he had so it’s not a case of him coming back too early or anything like that, it’s a new injury.

“It’s frustrating because Mark was due to come off after an hour and suffered this problem in the 59th minute.

“He’s gone for a shot and hasn’t actually had to make a save because it’s hit the crossbar.

“But Mark has landed on his elbow and has done more damage to it.”

However, Brown does not yet know how long Oxley is going to be out of action for.

“Mark is going to see a specialist on Friday and we will know more then about the length of time he will be out for,” said the Blues boss.

“We don’t think he’s going to need an operation but it’s obviously not good news, especially after Mark had just come back from the first injury he suffered.”

Oxley joined the Shrimpers in the summer and, after a mixed start, grew in composure and confidence between the sticks.

The 26-year-old started 15 successive League One games before being forced to the sidelines with an elbow injury.

During his absence, Ted Smith was recalled in goal and has produced a series of solid performances.

Oxley - who was back on the bench for the first team against Scunthorpe United on Saturday - could have found it tough to regain his place in the starting line-up.

But Brown was looking forward to the keepers fighting it out to be selected.

“It would have been a good battle between them and that’s what you want in all areas of the team,” said Brown.

“However, we don’t want to jump the gun before Mark sees the specialist and hopefully it will be the best news possible.”

With Oxley back on the sidelines, under 21 goalkeeper Josh Bexon will again act as Smith’s understudy in the Shrimpers squad.