SOUTHEND United midfielder Anthony Wordsworth is set to miss the start of pre-season training with a hamstring injury.

Wordsworth picked up the problem towards the end of March.

But Blues boss Phil Brown fears the 27-year-old will not recover in time for him to join in with the initial preparations for the forthcoming campaign.

“Woody’s injury is a concern, it’s taking longer than we thought to get better and, at the moment, I would say he’s unlikely to be fit for the start of pre-season training,” said Brown.

“He’s continuing to get it treated but we’re looking into one or two other things because it’s been a long time now.

“Hopefully it will start to respond and improve because pre-season is obviously an important time of year for all players.

“But Woody has had this injury since March time now and we’re trying to get the bottom of the problem.”

Wordsworth joined Blues before the start of last season but was hit by injuries during his first campaign at the club.

The midfielder bagged four goals in 16 starts and Brown is keen to use him in a more attacking role next season due to the impending departure of Jack Payne.