SOUTHEND United midfielder Lewis Gard suffered a hamstring injury in Wednesday night's Premier League Cup defeat to Oxford United.

Gard had to be taken off at the start of the second half at Roots Hall.

But coach Kevin Maher said the Shrimpers had yet to discover the full extent of the injury.

"Lewis has had a neural problem in his hamstring," said Maher.

"It's too early to tell how bad it is though."

Gard played twice for Blues' first team towards the end of last season and was also on the bench for Saturday's 1-0 win at Bristol Rovers.

The Shrimpers are currently short of midfield options with Luke Hyam, Timothee Dieng, Sam Mantom, Dru Yearwood and Harry Phillips all sidelined.