SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown could have just one fit defender for the Good Friday crunch clash at Chesterfield.

John White (hip), Anton Ferdinand (hip and back) and Adam Thompson (tonsillitis) will all face late fitness tests while Ben Coker (knee) and Ryan Inniss (shoulder) are definitely out.

And Brown - who could be missing as many as nine players - admits the situation is far from ideal for the play-off pushing Shrimpers.

“It’s definitely going to be all hands to the pump where we’re concerned this weekend,” said the Blues boss.

“We have four or five major doubts and Ryan Leonard is still suspended too so it’s going to take a massive effort from the squad we’ve got.”

The seventh placed Shrimpers - who have lost their last two games - head into today’s game a point behind Millwall who currently occupy the final play-off position in sixth.

But Brown is not sure who he will be able to select in defence at the Proact Stadium.

“Adam Thompson has had tonsillitis all week and hasn’t trained so he’s a doubt,” said the 57-year-old.

“Anton Ferdinand is struggling too because he’s not used to playing this number of games and has issues with his back and hip.

“John White has been in the treatment room all week too after limping out of the game with a hip problem at Charlton on Saturday so we’re going to have to make some late decisions.”

Goalkeepers Mark Oxley (elbow) and Ted Smith (wrist) will definitely miss out along with left-back Ben Coker (knee), centre-back Ryan Inniss (shoulder) and suspended midfielder Ryan Leonard.

Striker Nile Ranger (knee) is also rated doubtful but Brown is hoping he will still be able to field a strong starting line-up.

“It will be a tough game but if we can wheel out our sick and wounded players then it’s going to be a good game of football,” said Brown.

“I’m going to have some big judgement calls to make and I may have to decide whether or not it’s right to go with a 50 per cent Adam Thompson or a 50 per cent fit Anton Ferdinand.

“I’m not sure if that’s the right thing to do but we will have to wait and see.”

Young defenders Dan Matsuzaka and Harry Kyprianou have both been added to the squad for an important encounter second from bottom Chesterfield also need to win as they bid to avoid relegation back into League Two.