Southend United vs Port Vale - Southend defender Ryan Inniss ruled out of Port Vale clash

Southend must do without Ryan Inniss for the visit of Port Vale as the on-loan Crystal Palace defender serves a one-match ban.

Leading scorer Simon Cox will be assessed on the ankle injury he picked up in last weekend's defeat at Gillingham.

Centre-half Anton Ferdinand has been carrying a calf problem which has ruled him out of the past two matches, while striker Nile Ranger (groin) is also a doubt.

Forward David Mooney has stepped up his recovery from four months out with an ankle problem and is closing in on a first-team return. Winger Stephen McLaughlin (ankle) and goalkeeper Mark Oxley (fractured elbow) remain sidelined.

Port Vale defender Kjell Knops is still suspended having been unable to complete his two-match ban in midweek.

Knops was hoping to return this weekend but the postponement of Tuesday's clash at Rochdale means the suspension remains active.

Goalkeeper Deniz Mehmet could come into the reckoning after joining the club on a free transfer this week.

Defender Remie Streete (knee) and midfielder Anthony de Freitas (groin) remain on the sidelines.