Southend wait on Demetriou and McLaughlin for Gillingham clash

Posted Monday, February 17, 2020 by PA

Southend will assess the fitness of Jason Demetriou and Stephen McLaughlin ahead of their home game against Gillingham.

Both players missed Saturday’s defeat to Coventry. Demetriou was resting an ongoing knee injury while McLaughlin joined him on the sidelines due to a thigh problem.

Blues boss Sol Campbell is hopeful the duo will be fit for Tuesday’s clash at Roots Hall.

Forward Stephen Humphrys (broken nose), defender John White (broken arm) and midfielders Harry Phillips (knee) and Lewis Gard (knee) remain out for the Shrimpers.

Gillingham boss Steve Evans could make changes as he looks to maintain the club’s late charge towards the play-off places.

Evans said his team were “running on empty” following the home win against Doncaster at the weekend and he might decide to freshen up his side.

Olly Lee would be a strong contender for a recall. The midfielder is fit again after a bout of illness but has been an unused substitute for the last two matches.

Gills are unbeaten in 13 Sky Bet League One matches, winning three of the last four, and would move to within four points of sixth-placed Portsmouth with another victory.