Shrimpers midfielder Jay Smith will not start his rehabilitation from a groin problem until September.
The 21-year-old, who cracked five goals after joining Blues from Aston Villa last term, missed the last two months of the season with the injury.
Southend physio John Stannard said: "Jay's been given the all clear following an isotope bone scan.
"Now it is just a case of waiting for the injury to heal naturally.
"But we are not expecting to do any work with Jay until at least September, which is very frustrating for the player."
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Published Friday, June 6, 2003
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