SOUTHEND United duo Ben Coker and Mark Oxley will both be fit for the start of pre-season training in Spain.
Left-back Coker missed the final six games of last season with a knee problem while goalkeeper Oxley has yet to figure in 2017 after suffering two elbow injuries in quick succession.
But Blues boss Phil Brown confirmed the duo are now ready to return.
“Ben looks like he will be fit for pre-season from day one and it’s looking like Mark will too,” said Brown.
“We’re going to Malaga next Friday and we will be spending eight days out there so it will be a good way to start our training.”
However, goalkeeper Ted Smith (wrist) and midfielder Anthony Wordsworth (hamstring) are not yet ready to return.
“Ted might be another week or 10 days behind the others,” said Brown.
“Woody will be coming to Spain and we’ll see how far we can push him.”
Blues will face Partick Thistle and Ipswich Town in behind closed doors games on their return from Spain before they take on Braintree Town on Saturday July 15.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article