SOUTHEND United midfielder Jean-Paul Kalala will today return to training after recovering from a groin injury.

The Frenchman has not figured for Blues since the 1-0 defeat to Burton Albion last month.

But he believes he will be fit to face Swindon Town if required this weekend.

“I will be back in full training today and, if that goes OK, then it’s up to the manager when I return,” said Kalala. “My groin is feeling OK again and I’m available for selection now which is very pleasing because it has been frustrating for me to have to miss the matches.”

Kalala has been forced to sit out Southend’s last three games. And he’s disappointed to have dropped out of the side.

“When I came here I set myself the target of trying to play every game so to get injured so early on was hard to take,” said the 29-year-old.

“I thought I had been playing quite well too so that made it even more frustrating, especially as I picked up the problem during training. It all appears to be OK now and that will please the physio Ben Clarkson almost as much as me because he must have been fed up with my moaning.

“I kept on telling him I wanted to be fit and kept on asking when I would be back so I’ve probably been driving him mad.”

FULL STORY IN THURSDAY'S ECHO