NILE Ranger’s groin injury is worse than first feared.

The Southend United striker picked up the injury 11 minutes into his comeback appearance against Salford City on Saturday.

But Shrimpers boss Mark Molesley will now be without the forward for longer than originally anticipated.

“It’s worse than we first feared which is disappointing,” said Molesley.

“We haven’t got clarity on it yet but the first reports on it suggest it’s grade two/grade three so he could be out longer than we thought which I’m gutted about.

It was always going to be a risk but he will still work hard to come back and hopefully it will still be this season.

“I wouldn’t like to say how long it will be exactly just yet but it’s a longer term injury.”