Dover boss Andy Hessenthaler facing injury and suspension problems

Posted Friday, November 08, 2019 by PA

Dover have injury and suspension problems ahead of their FA Cup first-round tie against Southend.

Whites boss Andy Hessenthaler was without seven players for the goalless league draw at AFC Fylde last weekend and he does not expect the situation to improve greatly.

Ricky Modeste and Nassim L’Ghoul could be fit enough to play a part on Sunday but Kevin Lokko and Will De Havilland are almost certainly ruled out with ankle injuries. Joe Bedford, Bobby-Joe Taylor and Bilel Hinchiri are the other players nursing niggles.

Midfielder Jai Reason is suspended but new loan signing Ruel Sotiriou has been cleared to play by his parent club Leyton Orient.

Southend boss Sol Campbell, a three-time FA Cup winner with Arsenal and Portsmouth during his playing career, has said he will stick with a five-man defence at The Crabble.

Ethan Hamilton, on loan from Manchester United, and Stephen McLaughlin are available again after serving bans but fellow midfielder Sam Mantom (hamstring) remains out

Stephen Humphrys, Charlie Kelman and John White are also on the Shrimpers’ injury list as Campbell looks for his first win as manager.

Dover and Southend have met just once before in a competitive match, during the 1975/76 season in the FA Cup second round at Roots Hall, with Southend winning 4-1.