DAN Mooney's knee injury is not as bad as first feared but Southend United boss Kevin Maher remains unsure when the midfielder will be back in action.

Mooney was stretchered off in Blues' 2-2 draw against Altrincham last time out.

But the setback is not as serious as Maher initially expected.

"There's no serious damage to the knee," said Maher.

"It's just ligament damage and soft tissue damage as well but it's not as bad as we first feared.

"There's swelling in and around his calf so he will be going to see a consultant but right now we don't know how long he will be for out."

Mooney has scored twice in 17 games for Blues this season.