Southend will be without Mark Gower when they bring the curtain down on their stay in the Championship at Southampton on Sunday.

Winger Gower has had a scan on his back injury which has revealed muscle and ligament strains and he will not be available at St Mary's.

Meanwhile Freddy Eastwood remains a major doubt with the back problem which has sidelined him lately, although he will be given as long as possible to prove his fitness.

Captain Kevin Maher, the club's player of the year, aggravated a foot injury during the defeat by Luton last week, although he is hopeful of leading the side.

Young striker Gary Hooper was this week recalled from his loan spell at Leyton Orient and full-back Che Wilson is expected back from his stint at Rotherham.

Grzegorz Rasiak and Marek Saganowski could give Southampton a major attacking boost.

The Polish strikers are on course to return to fitness with Saints needing plenty of goals to ensure they hang onto the final play-off place.

Rasiak, who has hit 20 goals this season, missed last week's win over Norwich with a back problem but is expected to be fit.

Saganowski, who has smashed 10 goals in as many games, suffered a groin injury a fortnight ago and having resumed training is "touch and go" according to manager George Burley.

Defender Darren Powell has had a knee operation and is out until next season while midfielder Jermaine Wright underwent surgery on a hernia problem, although he could be back for a potential play-off final.