SOUTHEND United suffered a double injury blow on the eve of Saturday's clash at Gateshead.

Midfielder Wes Fonguck picked up a hamstring problem in training on Friday while Oli Coker pulled out of training the day before with a thigh injury.

And Blues boss Kevin Maher was without both players in the centre of the park for the 1-1 draw.

"Wes tweaked his hamstring on Friday and Oli has got a quad injury," confirmed Maher.

"Oli didn't train until Thursday because he was carrying it and he had to pull out of the session but we don't know how bad either of them are yet.

"Well get in again on Monday and see where we're at.

"We'll count the wounded and then see who is available next week."

The injuries meant Blues were again able to select just two substitutes at the weekend.

And it continues to be a real struggle for the Shrimpers/ "We're juggling things in terms of who is registered and who isn't," said Maher.

"Injuries are going to happen.

"The pitches get slightly heavier and the weather changes too so every team is going to get injuries but what can't look to the bench and change it.

I'm holding onto subs because people are cramping up and we have to do it last minute to see who is going to be the one we have to take off. It's so difficult but all credit to the players because they could have gone under but they never do