Southend United hope to have goalkeeper Darryl Flahavan back in action when Swindon Town visit Roots Hall for a reserve team clash.
The shot-stopper has missed Blues' last four matches after tearing an abductor muscle in his thigh during the 2-1 home defeat against Scunthorpe at the end of December.
Blues boss Rob Newman said: "Darryl has made very good progress and has been pencilled in to play against Swindon, or at Dagenham and Redbridge in the Essex Senior cup on Wednesday night."
Defender Phil Whelan is set to go under the surgeon's knife this weekend for an exploratory knee operation.
"Phil went for a scan and he had objects floating around behind his knee cap," added Newman.
"He's going in for an exploratory examination tomorrow and we hope this will help to flush away the problems with his knee."
Meanwhile, fellow centre-half, Stephen Broad, is recovering well from a hernia operation and is expected to resume jogging next week.
Published Monday, January 27, 2003
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article