SOUTHEND United defender John White and on loan striker Kazaiah Sterling were both forced to miss today's 0-0 draw at Stevenage with injury setbacks.

Sterling missed out with a groin problem while White could not feature after suffering another hamstring injury.

But Blues boss Mark Molesley is hopeful White will soon be back in action. 

"With John White we’re hoping is short term but it’s tricky to tell if he will be fit for Saturday," said Molesley.

"If he’s not then we’re definitely hoping for the following Saturday.

"Kazaiah Sterling has a slight groin strain and that's why he wasn't involved."

White had started Blues' last four games after recovering from a hamstring problem which had keep him sidelined for two months.