SUMMER signings Josh Coulson and Rhys Murphy both missed Southend United's 2-0 win against Great Wakering Rovers.

Coulson suffered a fractured toe in his first training session with the Shrimpers.

But Brown is hopeful the defender will soon be back in action. 

"Josh just reported in with a small fracture to his little toe," said Brown.

"It doesn’t too sound serious but it’s an awful thing for a footballer when you can’t plant your feet.

"It’s a niggly injury but I’ll think he will be OK.

"It happened the first day of pre-season training and he tried to train with it but the x-ray has shown a small fracture.

"He’s a little bit behind and the next week will be important with regards to what he can do and what he can’t.

"Hopefully in another seven days he will be ready for a pre-season game somewhere down the line and fingers crossed he will be OK for the start of the season."

And Brown is confident striker Murphy will soon be able to return. 

"Rhys reported with an injury but he’s trained the last three days," said Brown.

"He could’ve played today but I didn’t think he’d had enough minutes in training.

"We will have a look at him on Friday and hopefully Saturday."