SOUTHEND United defender Louis Lomas is to have surgery on a troublesome groin injury.

Lomas has yet to play for the Shrimpers so far this season.

But Blues boss Kevin Maher is hopeful the operation will be the end of Lomas’ injury troubles.

“It looks like he’s going to need an operation on his groin,” said Maher.

“I’m not sure on the timescale on that yet but it’s been throughout the season he hasn’t been able to play now.

“Hopefully this can be the end of it now and he can come back and be part of the squad again.”

Lomas joined Blues in the summer of 2022 and made 22 appearances last season.