Ben Coker returns to boost Southend for visit of Rochdale
Southend are set to have left-back Ben Coker in contention again for the visit of Rochdale.
The defender has been sidelined since mid-November following an ankle injury, but has resumed full training so offers another option which could see Michael Timlin moved back into midfield.
Striker Nile Ranger, who has pleaded guilty at Wood Green Crown Court to one count of conspiracy to defraud and pleaded not guilty to a second count of money laundering, remains available for selection.
Winger Stephen McLaughlin (ankle) continues his rehabilitation, along with on-loan Crystal Palace centre-back Ryan Inniss (shoulder), striker David Mooney (ankle) and goalkeeper Mark Oxley (elbow).
Fifth-placed Rochdale, who have won their last six games in all competitions, look set to go with more or less the same squad as they did for last Saturday's FA Cup victory at Barrow.
It remains to be seen whether Donal McDermott, out recently due to illness, features after he played in a Lancashire Senior Cup game on Wednesday.
There was also a 45-minute run-out in that match for fellow midfielder Peter Vincenti, who Dale boss Keith Hill has said will not be involved in first-team action for a few more weeks yet as he nears the completion of his recovery from an ankle injury.
Joe Bunney (fractured metatarsal) and Brian Barry-Murphy (Achilles) remain sidelined.
Source: PAR
