SAM Hart will miss out on Southend United’s match with Salford City this weekend due to a groin injury.

Hart did not feature against Forest Green Rovers on Wednesday night.

And Blues boss Mark Molesley will not be able to call upon him again tomorrow.

“Sam won’t be available for Saturday,” said Molesley.

“He hasn’t done anything since Monday which is disappointing.

“It’s still very early on in his injury but we’re hoping after a few more days of rest he might be able to get back out there.”

Long-term absentees Nathan Ralph (cruciate ligaments), Harry Lennon (knee) and Lewis Gard (cruciate ligaments) will also be missing this weekend.

And winger Terrell Egbri is still not ready to return.

“It’s too soon for Terrell but he’s getting stronger every day,” said Molesley.

“He trained with the group again today and he will possibly come into selection possibly at the end of next week if not the week after that.”

Striker Nile Ranger is available after recovering from a calf problem while midfielder Jacob Mellis, who has yet to make his debut, has also improved his fitness.

“I’ve been really pleased with Jacob,” said Molesley.

“He’s looked a lot sharper and you can see he’s catching up with his fitness now.

“He’s showing his quality more and more every day so it’s exciting times for us knowing that he’s in the wings waiting.

“But he will have to wait for his chance now or someone will have to give him his chance because the performance was good on Wednesday and it’s hard to change too much up.

“We have plenty of games though so there will be plenty of opportunities for people to show their worth.

“He’s certainly on the right track now.”

Midfielder James Olayinka will again miss out as he continues to work his way back from an ankle problem.