SOUTHEND United midfielder Anthony Wordsworth will miss the start of the season with a hamstring injury.

The 28-year-old picked up the problem towards the end of last season.

And Blues boss Phil Brown has now confirmed Wordsworth will not recover in time to face Blackburn Rovers on the opening day of the campaign.

“Woody has gone back for a check up and he’s not going to be back in time for the start of the season,” said Brown.

“We thought that was always likely to be the case but I was reluctant to rule him out because he’s such a big player for us.

“He showed that last season but he’s been given clearance to up the running, which is good news and hopefully in the next couple of weeks he will be able to step things up.”

Left-winger Stephen McLaughlin (ankle), centre-back Michael Turner (hamstring) and Ben Coker (thigh) are also currently being treated for injuries.

But Brown hopes to have them back for what he believes will be the toughest possible start against Blackburn.

“We’ve had Blackburn watched in pre-season and, made no bones about it, they are going to be the team to beat in our league this season,” said Brown.

“They’ve recruited well and the players they’ve had on the bench in pre-season would grace the Championship let alone League One.

“I think they will have a good season but hopefully we are catching them at the right time.

“Nobody is ever really completely up to speed on the opening day if we’re being truthful about it so hopefully that will work in our favour.

“Having our big players fit is also going to be important and we’re doing all we can to make sure it happens.”

Blackburn have also been made the bookmakers’ favourites to win League One next season.

Tony Mowbray’s side are 9/2 to finish top of the table, with Wigan second favourites at 8/1.

Southend are 11th in the odds and are 25/1 to win the title.