SOUTHEND United striker Harry Bunn is ‘extremely doubtful’ for tomorrow’s crunch clash with Sunderland.

Bunn, who has netted twice in Blues’ last four games, injured his calf in training earlier this week.

And Shrimpers boss Kevin Bond is unsure if Bunn will recover in time to take on the Black Cats at Roots Hall.

“Harry has suffered an injury in training and he’s extremely doubtful,” said Bond.

“It’s the bottom of his Achilles and calf and it might be to do with the hard games.”

Blues will definitely be without long term absentee Tom Hopper this weekend, leaving Bond short of striking options.

Stephen Humphrys has sat out the last three games after still being short of full match fitness following a six week lay-off with the horrific facial injuries he suffered at Accrington Stanley in late February.

Humphrys broke his nose, cheekbone and eye-socket after colliding with Stanley shot-stopper Jonny Maxted when scoring.

But Bond could bring him back in against the Black Cats as the Shrimpers bid to beat the drop.

“Since he’s tried to make his way back from his horrific injuries Stephen has worked extremely hard,” said Bond.

“We’ve never said at any stage he won’t be available and he’s never said he won’t be available so it’s something we can look at for the weekend.”

Blues go into the game sitting 20th in the League One standings, just above the relegation zone on goal difference.

But with Plymouth Argyle and Scunthorpe United - two of the teams below the Shrimpers - facing each other tomorrow - the Shrimpers are likely to need all three points to stay up.

And Bond knows that will not be an easy task against the fourth-placed Black Cats.

“It’s a difficult game and Sunderland have a lot to play for going forward but so have we,” said Bond.

“Sunderland are in the play-offs and will have their own reasons for wanting to do well but they aren’t as strong as ours.

“We will need much more of what we saw against Burton and I’d be surprised if we didn’t get it to be truthful.”

Blues are expected to be without midfielder Luke Hyam, who suffered a hamstring injury against Rochdale last weekend, for tomorrow’s clash.