SOUTHEND United will be missing five players for Saturday’s match with Yeovil Town at Roots Hall.

Goalkeeper Steve Arnold (back), midfielder Harry Taylor (knee) and strikers Rhys Murphy (knee) and Harry Cardwell (ankle) are all still sidelined along with defender Gus Scott-Morriss who serves a one match suspension.

But Maher confirmed the injured players are starting to make progress.

"We’ve got one or two back starting to do a little bit of training in terms of Harry Taylor and Harry Cardwell," said Maher.

"They’re a little way off still and it will take time to build them up."

Maher also confirmed Murphy, who has been out of action since January, has returned to training but is not ready to feature for the first team at this stage.

And Blues are still looking to get to the bottom of Arnold’s back injury which has seen him miss the last seven matches.

“We’re waiting on the results of a scan and a couple of other things to see where that is,” said Maher.

“Hopefully we’ll have more news by tomorrow.”

Collin Andeng Ndi has started all of the matches since Arnold was forced out of action.

But the Blues youngster is now facing added competition from the on loan Blondy Nna Noukeu.

And Maher will be choosing between the two shot-stoppers on Saturday.

“Collin’s done ever so well and the clean sheets are a team thing," said Maher

"He’s looked calm and composed and he’s got good confidence in himself for a young player.

"We’ve been able to bring another one in and Blondy’s trained very well.

"That gives us good competition.”

However, Maher will be forced into at least one change as Scott-Morriss misses out with a one match ban following his red card at Wealdstone on Saturday.

Jason Demetriou is expected to replace him at right wing-back.