Southend United vs Coventry - Southend midfielder Will Atkinson should be in contention for Coventry match

Southend boss Phil Brown is optimistic Will Atkinson will be fit for Saturday's League One match with Coventry.

The midfielder limped out of the Checkatrade Trophy defeat by Oxford in midweek but has recovered.

Brown has no other fresh injury concerns, with Ben Coker, David Mooney (both ankle) and Ryan Inniss (shoulder) still on the sidelines.

Tenth-placed Southend are looking to continue an eight-match unbeaten run in the league.

Andy Rose made a welcome return to the Coventry starting line-up after a thigh injury against Crawley in midweek and the midfielder may continue to fill in at right-back with Jamie Sterry and Dion Kelly-Evans still out injured.

Lewis Page went off injured in the EFL Trophy win on Wednesday night and the defender is a doubt for Saturday's trip.

Midfielder Ben Stevenson will serve the final game of his three-match suspension while Kwame Thomas (groin) is sidelined and not expected to return for the Sky Blues until after Christmas.

However, fellow forward Chris Stokes (knee) is back in training and nearing a return to contention.