Southend United winger Mark Gower is battling to be fit for Saturday's clash with Cheltenham Town after aggravating a groin injury.

The 24-year-old midfielder limped out of last weekend's 1-1 draw with Colchester United and has yet to resume training.

"I've got a bit of an inflamed tendon in my groin at the moment," said Gower -- a summer signing from Barnet.

"Playing against Colchester last week I made the situation a little bit worse so I had to come off at half time as a precaution.

"I haven't trained since then but the three or four days' rest seems to have helped it, so I'm hoping I'll be OK for the game this weekend.

"It's not going to be 100 per cent right but hopefully I'll be able to train tomorrow and it will be fine."

Published Thursday, August 7, 2003

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