SOUTHEND United manager Mark Molesley is hopeful John White and Timothee Dieng will soon be back in action.

The duo both missed Saturday’s 4-0 defeat to Harrogate Town at Roots Hall.

But Molesley does not expect them to be out for too long.

“They had minor strains and Tom Clifford has a strain too,” said Molesley.

“We’re hoping they are short term but it was too dangerous to risk any of them at such an early stage of the season.

“We need to get them back and they have to stay back because we saw today how much they are missed.”

Dieng suffered a calf injury during pre-season but the Frenchman has now suffered a new setback.

“With Tim it’s the same leg but it’s a bit higher up in his hamstring,” said Molesley.

“He’s done some work today and he’s on the mend so fingers crossed on him and John as well.

“We will have to assess them this week and it was quite clear they were sorely missed.

“It was almost an under 21 team we had out there and we have plenty of work to do.

“We will soon find out which ones are up for the challenge.