SOUTHEND United manager Mark Molesley said Simeon Akinola was ‘responding well’ following his injury against Cambridge United.

The Shrimpers striker was forced off towards the end of this afternoon’s 0-0 draw at the Abbey Stadium after a clash of heads with U’s defender Jubril Okedina.

But Molesley does not yet know the full extent of Akinola’s injury.

“He’s responding well in the dressing room but the next 48 hours will be key and we will have to see how he settles,” said Molesley.

“It was an unfortunate one and he’s a player we can ill afford to lose.”

Akinola has scored two goals in 13 appearances for Blues so far this season.