Southend vs Exeter preview - Leonard set for Shrimpers return

Ryan Leonard is hoping to return to Southend's starting line-up for the Sky Bet League Two clash with Exeter at Roots Hall.

The defender has recovered from a hamstring injury which kept him out for just under a month and came off the bench in last week's loss at Luton.

"You have to be careful with hamstring injuries," Leonard told the club website. "The last week it's felt good and it's all about keeping it strong now. It would be nice to start on Saturday."

Luke Prosser is still doubtful after a calf injury and Cian Bolger is rated 50-50 following the concussion he suffered at Kenilworth Road, while centre-back Mads Idenfeldt will be a long-term absentee after having a screw fitted into his fractured foot.

Exeter boss Paul Tisdale will assess his injury-hit squad ahead of the trip to Roots Hall.

David Noble, Graham Cummins, Craig Woodman and David Wheeler all featured in the 2-1 loss to Hartlepool last weekend despite not being fully-fit while Liam Sercombe's groin injury, which saw the midfielder miss that defeat, will be monitored.

Defenders Pat Baldwin (knee) and Jordan Moore-Taylor (foot) miss out once more but youth product Connor Riley-Lowe could keep his place having made his Football League bow last weekend in the Grecians' make-shift defence.

Exeter ran out 3-2 winners on their last visit to Southend earlier this season.