SOUTHEND United manager Mark Molesley is praying Nathan Ralph is not set for another extended spell on the sidelines.

Ralph, who suffered a dislocated shoulder last season, was stretchered off with a knee injury during Tuesday night's 3-0 defeat at Salford City.

And Molesley is desperately hoping Ralph can soon return to action.

"He’s come off with a knee injury and fingers crossed we’re praying it’s nothing too bad," said the Blues boss.

"Lewis Gard is out for the season with a knee injury and we can’t risk losing a player of Nathan’s quality.

"He’s been first class and one of the first names on the teamsheet since we’ve been here.

"We just have to pray it’s not too bad because we can’t afford to lose him that’s for sure.

"It was where he landed and it was a slight twist but we will have to see how it settles."