Ross Sykes injury blow for Accrington

Posted Friday, February 22, 2019 by PA

Accrington will be without defender Ross Sykes for the Sky Bet League One clash with Southend.

Centre-back Sykes has been ruled out for three to four weeks due to a slight groin tear.

Stanley will have midfielder Sam Finley back in contention after he completed a five-match suspension for violent conduct.

Manager John Coleman could stick with the team which ended a five-game winless run in the league by beating Oxford in midweek, with defender Liam Gibson and forward Luke Armstrong among those pushing for starts should he opt for changes.

Southend manager Chris Powell will be missing a host of first-team players at the Wham Stadium, with Stephen Humphrys and Michael Kightly the latest to suffer knocks.

Striker Humphrys suffered a dead leg against Portsmouth last weekend and will be assessed while winger Kightly was withdrawn from that match with a groin problem and is a major doubt.

Defenders Jason Demetriou (knee) and John White (groin), goalkeeper Mark Oxley (back) and midfielder Dru Yearwood (suspension) remain out.

Harry Bunn and Luke Hyam have returned to training but will not be rushed, while Powell does not think centre-backs Rob Kiernan and Harry Lennon are ready for senior action following their respective injuries.