Gillingham v Southend

INJURIES are hampering Gillingham manager Neale Cooper's preparations for Saturday's clash against League 1 joint leaders Southend.

Cooper will again be without his first choice centre-back pairing of Chris Hope and Ian Cox and he is now sweating on the fitness of top scorer Darren Byfield.

Byfield, who has netted five times this season, has a nerve problem in his leg after falling awkwardly during the win against Chesterfield in midweek and is struggling to be fit for Saturday.

And fellow striker Paul Shields has been added to the long-term casualty list, leaving Cooper short of cover for the difficult game.

Cooper admitted he is facing a selection headache. He said: "We’re down to the bare bones and we’re looking depleted.

"Over the last few weeks we’ve lost a few experienced players though injury, although certain players have come in and done well. It’s a chance for them and they’ve got to take it."

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