BEN Coker has been pencilled in to return from an elbow injury when Southend United head to Cambridge United on Boxing Day.

The left-back has been out of action since early September when he fell awkwardly towards the end of the Shrimpers’ 1-1 draw with Oxford United at Roots Hall.

But the 25-year-old is now close to coming back.

“Our physio has put the Cambridge game down as the one for Ben to potentially return in,” confirmed Blues boss Phil Brown.

“For that to happen he will need to have played in some games before that so we’re hoping to organise some development matches for him to play in.

“But we’re certainly hoping to have him back for the Cambridge game and I think there’s extra spice on that one for him because it’s near to where he’s from.

“I think he was also there as a kid so I’m sure it’s one he would love to play in.”

Coker was initially replaced on the left hand side of the defence by Jerome Binnom-Williams who signed on loan from Crystal Palace.

He has since been replaced in that role by John White.

But Coker has now returned to training and has already impressed Brown.

“Ben is pulling up trees in training and he’s a really big character which is why he’s come back so quickly I think,” said Brown.

“At the moment he’s still wearing the protective cast on the elbow when he trains but that’s due to come off very soon.

“He’s making great progress and is chomping at the bit to be involved again.

“It will be great to have him back too because he’s been fantastic for the football club since signing just before the start of last season.”

Coker started the first eight games of the current campaign before getting injured and has made 61 appearances for the Shrimpers.