JEAN-PAUL Kalala’s hamstring injury is not as bad as first feared.

The Southend United midfielder limped off late on at Shrewsbury Town on Saturday after picking up the problem.

But he does not expect to be sidelined for long and could even be in contention for Tuesday’s crucial home clash against Swindon Town.

“I know my body well and think I can be fit again in a week or two from when I suffered the injury,” said Kalala, 29.

“When it first happened we thought I could be out for a lot longer.

“But now it’s feeling a little bit better and I can walk again without too much pain.

“It’s difficult to tell exactly how long I’m going to be out for but I will continue to work hard with the physio and can hopefully be back playing soon.

“I really don’t know if I’ll be ready for Swindon game at this stage but I certainly hope to play because it’s a big game and I will do everything I can to be involved.”

FULL STORY IN WEDNESDAY'S ECHO