SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown must wait a week to 10 days before discovering if left-back Ben Coker will need an operation on his injured ankle.

Coker missed last night’s 1-1 draw with Swindon Town with the injury he suffered in Saturday’s 3-0 win against Bradford City.

But Brown is now hoping Coker will not need to undergo surgery which could keep him out of action for two to three months.

“I’m hoping Ben’s is not going to be as bad as David Mooney’s injury.

“In the next week to 10 days if the bruising and swelling subsides sufficiently and the pain is reasonable then he might not need an early operation.

“That would be an early Christmas present for us all but if he does need an operation then he will be out for two or three months.

“But we’re keen to stay positive.”