Southend United boss Kevin Maher has announced that key players Jack Bridge and Collin Andeng Ndi are expected to return from injury when the Shrimpers face Bishop’s Stortford on Saturday.
Left wing-back Bridge has been sidelined with a quad injury, missing both of the Blues’ pre-season matches this summer, while goalkeeper Andeng Ndi has been out with a hip problem. Maher is optimistic about their return this weekend.
“We’ll have to wait and see how close they are, but we want to get them both playing,” Maher said. “We’ll assess their condition and won’t take any risks, but it would be nice for them to get some minutes if we can. We want to start getting them involved.”
In Andeng Ndi’s absence, youth team goalkeeper Charlie Brown took to the field at Canvey Island on Tuesday night, contributing to a 2-1 victory for Maher’s side. This followed a 5-0 win against Great Wakering Rovers on Saturday, during which defender Harry Taylor sustained a significant cut on his forehead and will be unavailable for the match against Bishop’s Stortford.
Maher anticipates another valuable workout as the Blues take on their Southern League Premier Central hosts for the second consecutive pre-season. “It’s always a good welcome there, and the pitch is very good too,” Maher noted. “It will be a good game, and with Steve Castle in charge, I’m sure they will make it competitive as well.”
Former Southampton defender Zuriel Otseh-Taiwo, currently on trial with Southend United, is expected to be included in the squad again after featuring in the first two pre-season friendlies.
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