SOUTHEND United winger Ryan Leonard is not yet sure when he will be returning from a back injury.

But the 19-year-old hopes he will not be stuck on the sidelines for too much longer.

Leonard has not featured since picking up the problem towards the end of the 0-0 draw at Preston North End a fortnight ago.

And he cannot wait to get back in action.

“My back is slowly getting better but it’s frustrating because it’s taking longer than we expected and I obviously want to be playing,” said Leonard.

“I’ve been for an MRI scan and it’s shown there’s some inflammation on my back and we’re not exactly sure how much longer it will take to settle down.

“That’s also quite annoying but fingers crossed it won’t be too much longer until I’m fit again.”

Leonard suffered the injury after landing awkwardly from an aerial challenge at Deepdale.

The former Plymouth Argyle trainee was able to see out the final few minutes of the match.

However, he then began to experience immense discomfort.

“As soon as I woke up the next day my back was quite bad and it was in spasm for about a week,” said Leonard, who has missed Blues’ last three matches.

“It’s improved since then but because it’s my back I haven’t really been able to do much fitness work apart from some jogging in the swimming pool.

“It’s disappointing but at the same time it’s part and parcel of being involved with football and you just have to get on with it.”

FULL STORY IN TUESDAY'S ECHO