SOUTHEND United will be without striker Harry Cardwell for Sunday’s clash with Torquay United.

But left-sided defenders Nathan Ralph and Tom Clifford have both resumed full training.

Cardwell suffered an ankle injury during the 1-1 draw with Weymouth last time out.

And Blues boss Kevin Maher will be unable to call upon the forward this weekend.

“He’s had a boot on and it’s probably going to be longer than we hoped,” said Maher.

“But we still need to speak to the specialist and we will know more after that.”

However, there is better news on both Ralph and Clifford.

Ralph has been out since mid-March with a thigh problem while Clifford has missed the last four games with a hip problem.

But the duo are now back training.

“Ralphy has been back out on the grass and so has Tom Clifford which is pleasing,” said Maher.

“We will assess where they are in the next couple of days.”

And Maher also hinted young midfielders Jon Benton and Oli Coker could be involved.

“We’ve had Jon Benton and Oli Coker with us for the past few weeks which is pleasing and it’s good to have that competition,” he added.