JOHN White and Mark Oxley are close to returning to action for Southend United.

Oxley, who has been out with a back problem since December, should resume full training later this week while John White could push to start against AFC Wimbledon this weekend after recovering from a groin problem.

And Blues boss Chris Powell is pleased the duo will soon be returning.

"John White started training with the group today," said Powell.

"Hopefully he will be in contention to face Wimbledon.

"I envisage Mark Oxley being back in training on Thursday too.

"He’s been doing some handling and some really good goalkeeping work with Lee (Harrison).

"He will be in contention to train on Thursday as long as there’s no reaction."

However, Stephen Hendrie and Stephen Humphrys are both still sidelined.

"Stephen Hendrie is back running but hasn’t done any ball work yet," said Powell.

"But Stephen Humphrys is still waiting for his operation."