A TRIO of players will again be missing when Southend United head to Cheltenham Town on Tuesday night.
Sam Hart, Terrell Egbri and Jacob Mellis were all unavailable for Saturday's clash with Salford City.
And Blues boss Mark Molesley will not have them back in time to take on the Robins.
"It’s a bit early for all of them unfortunately," said Molesley.
"Sam has yet to train with the team again but Jacob is definitely upping his training regime and so is Terrell.
“With the games coming thick and fast hopefully they will be up for selection soon.
“But it’s more likely to be next week than this week as they’ve got to get a stronger foundation of work behind them.
“They will soon be chomping at the bit to start and it keeps that competition for places high.”
Hart has missed Blues' last two games with a groin problem while Egbri has yet to feature in 2021 due to a hamstring problem.
Mellis joined the Shrimpers from Gillingham on transfer deadline day but has yet to make his debut.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here