SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher expects Louis Lomas to be sidelined for the foreseeable future.

The Blues centre-back has yet to appear this season.

And Maher is unsure when the 23-year-old will be back in action.

“He’s had a problem with his hip and he’s had to see a specialist,” said Maher.

“That will maybe need something doing to it as well.

“For Louis we’re bitterly disappointed because he worked so hard to try and get back and it’s going to take a number of weeks to get it sorted.

“He will be out for the foreseeable future.”

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