SOUTHEND United defender Harry Taylor is back in training but seems unlikely to be risked against Dorking Wanderers tonight.
Taylor has missed Blues’ last eight games after injuring his hamstring during a 1-0 defeat to Gateshead at the start of February.
But Shrimpers boss Kevin Maher confirmed the 26-year-old is now edging closer to a return.
“Harry did a little bit of training yesterday which was good to see,” said Maher.
“But in terms of being ready for tonight we’ll have to see how he reacts.
“It might be too soon.”
Fellow centre-back Ollie Kensdale is also still sidelined with the fractured cheekbone he suffered during a 4-1 win against Aldershot Town towards the end of February.
The defender has missed the last four games and has yet to return to training.
“Kens hasn’t trained yet,” confirmed Maher.
“He’s still got to get his mask then we’ll see where he is with that.”
Blues right wing-back Gus Scott-Morriss again looks set to feature against Dorking while Maher must decide whether or not 36-year-old Jason Demetriou can play his seventh game in the space of 21 days.
On loan Queens Park Rangers defender Deon Woodman made his Blues debut as a late substitute against Dagenham & Redbridge on Saturday and could start if Maher opts to make a change.
Further forward, Maher will also ponder on which permeation to go for with his strikers.
But he is still without Callum Powell who has been sidelined since September with a long-term knee injury.
“He's going to be with Stef (Russo) now for this last part,” said Maher.
“There’s still going to be a good few weeks of work because when you’re out that long there’s a lot of stuff you’ve got to build up to make sure you’re ready and, touch wood, don’t break down again.
“It’s positive in terms of where he’s at but there’s still some way to go.”
At the other end of the field, goalkeeper Collin Andeng Ndi is in line to make his 50th appearance for the club.
The shot-stopper has been voted man of the match in two of Blues’ last three games.
