SOUTHEND United head coach Kevin Maher is hoping next week will bring better news on the injury front for Blues.

Goalkeeper Steve Arnold missed Saturday’s defeat at Dagenham & Redbridge with a hamstring problem while defenders Nathan Ralph (toe) and Jason Demetriou (groin) were also unavailable.

But Maher feels the trio could be back for Saturday’s trip to Boreham Wood.

“Steve was touch and go for the game,” said Maher.

“We made a call yesterday it couldn’t be risked.

“Sometimes you can risk it and you can end out being out for even longer.

“Nathan has got a slight problem with one of his toes.

“We could’ve looked at injecting him but again with the risk of a longer-term injury it wasn’t worth taking that gamble.

“Jason Demetriou has a groin injury but they’ve all been on the grass running so fingers crossed next week will bring us positive news on that front.”