SOUTHEND United manager Chris Powell admits he has never known anything like the Shrimpers’ current injury situation.

Blues - who head to Barnsley tomorrow - will be without Ben Coker, Tom Hopper, Lewis Gard and Sam Barratt for the rest of the season, while Harry Lennon is out until the New Year.

And Powell just cannot believe the lengthy list of injury setbacks.

“It’s just mind-blowing and I have never, ever known anything like this in my life,” said the Blues boss.

“I’ve seen busy treatment rooms before but this is just unheard of.

“It’s a very critical time for us. I’m not one to bleat on about things but this has really hit us hard. I have to make everyone aware we’re missing some very key players.”