Southend United vs Chesterfield - Nile Ranger in line for Southend start

Southend forward Nile Ranger could be in line to start for the Sky Bet League One strugglers against Chesterfield.

Ranger came off the bench in last week's 3-0 defeat by Rochdale, having spent seven weeks on the sidelines with an ankle injury suffered on his debut against Sheffield United in August.

Midfielder Michael Timlin continues his recovery from a long-standing hamstring injury as he closes in on a first-team return.

Under-pressure Shrimpers boss Phil Brown reported no fresh injury problems, with midfielder Anthony Wordsworth and defenders Ryan Inniss and Anton Ferdinand all again expected to be available.

Dion Donohue, Liam O'Neil and Liam Graham are fitness concerns for Chesterfield.

Blues boss Danny Wilson indicated at his pre-match press conference on Thursday that all three players will travel to Roots Hall and a late decision will be made on their involvement.

Graham has done a lot of travelling playing for New Zealand but Ryan Fulton and Connor Dimaio have returned from international duty raring to go.

Ched Evans and Paul McGinn are still missing through injury while Tommy Lee (shoulder) also remains out but should resume full training this month.