SOUTHEND United striker Simeon Akinola may need an operation on his knee.

The 29-year-old has missed the Shrimpers' last five matches.

And Blues boss Kevin Maher confirmed Akinola may need surgery to regain full fitness. 

"There’s a problem there and he might need a bit of work done on it," said Maher.

"The actual length of time I’m not sure yet but he’s going to have a period out."

Akinola joined the Shrimpers in the summer of 2020 and has scored two goals in 25 games.

The forward was frozen out by former Blues boss Phil Brown before he was handed a shock recall against Eastleigh at the start of October.

However, Akinola picked up an injury during his only appearance of the season.