SOUTHEND United goalkeeper Ted Smith has been ruled out of Wednesday night's Checkatrade Trophy clash with Southampton under 21s.
Smith had been earmarked to line up between the sticks against the Saints after recovering from a shoulder injury which kept him sidelined for more than a year.
But Shrimpers boss Chris Powell will not be able to call on the shot-stopper after he suffered a leg problem.
“Ted’s out,” said Powell.
“This kind of thing happens a lot with players when they’re out for a long time.
“They get to a level where their bodies are adjusting again to regular football and that’s happened again here.
“Ted’s not going to be missing for a long time but he won’t be ready for Southampton.
“He’s tweaked a muscle in his leg but it’s nothing major.
“We have to be fair to him though.
“He’s been out a long time but he’s a very, very good goalkeeper who I’m looking forward to seeing on a regular basis and he will be back soon.”
Smith - who was on the bench for Blues at Barnsley 10 days ago - has not played in a first team fixture since facing Newport County in the League Cup in August 2017.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here