Injured - Will Atkinson (left) suffered a calf problem against West Ham United's under 23 side
WILL Atkinson's hopes of securing a return to Southend United have been hit by a calf injury.
Atkinson was forced to hobble off just moments after coming on against West Ham United at Roots Hall on Friday night
And Blues boss Phil Brown admitted the injury was a blow to the midfielder.
"Will pulled his calf," said Brown.
"Over the years I’ve been here he’s one of the fittest lads we’ve had at the club.
"It’s a pulled calf and it doesn’t do him any favours in terms of a reacquaintance with Southend."
Atkinson made 173 appearances for Blues between 2013 and 2017.
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