BLUES boss Paul Sturrock is not prepared to rush Bilel Mohsni back from injury, despite the defender’s importance to the team.

Southend have triumphed just once in the league without the French centre-back who is currently sidelined with an ankle injury.

But Sturrock will not be taking any risks.

“I will bring Bilel back when he’s ready and I’m not setting any targets for when that will be either,” said Sturrock.

“I will listen to what the physio and doctor have to say and when he’s done what he needs to do to be match fit then he will play.

“He’s certainly an important player for us and the statistics show that too.

“However, quite a lot of damage has been done to his ankle and we don’t want him to come back too soon and miss even more matches.

“We still have more than half the season to go and if we handle things properly then I’m sure Bilel will be able to play in most of the games we have left.”

Mohsni will be missing on Saturday though as Blues travel to promotion pushing Rotherham United on the back of two successive defeats.

However, Sturrock is confident his team can more than match the Millers.

“We were disappointed to lose the homes games but I have been encouraged by the way the team have trained this week and I think we will put in a performance there,” said the Scotsman.

“It’s a difficult place to go and play but we’re a better team away from home and want to get a good result there.”

As they attempt to do so, Sturrock again looks set to make changes to his team.

Peter Gilbert is putting pressure on Johnny Herd at left-back, while Blair Sturrock could return at the expense of Matt Paterson in attack.

Miguel Comminges also looks certain to drop out of the starting line-up with Kane Ferdinand and Louie Soares battling to replace him.

Sturrock still also hopes to add to his squad before facing the Millers.

And he is confident of bringing in durther new signings before the end of the month.

“We’re waiting to hear back from one player before the weekend,” said Sturrock.

“But we’re hopeful of getting in another three before the window closes again.”

The former Plymouth Argyle chief again confirmed he would need to move players on and revealed midfielder Adam Bouzid was currently on trial with a club in Scotland.