SOUTHEND United striker Nile Ranger is unlikely to play again this season.

The forward suffered a groin problem just 11 minutes into his comeback appearance against Salford City on Saturday.

And Blues boss Mark Molesley now expects the 29-year-old to be sidelined for the rest of the campaign.

“Unfortunately I don’t think we will see Nile again this season which is a disappointment to ourselves,” said Molesley.

“He’s overstretched his groin and he’s almost fallen off the edge of our pitch as well.

“It’s an occupational hazard and in football sometimes you get injured.

“Nile has been out for a long time and had more potential to get injured than a lot of our other players but that was why we didn’t just throw him in.

“He had been working really hard behind the scenes with us and selfishly I’m bitterly disappointed for myself as well as for him because I know how hard he’s worked to get on that pitch again.”

Ranger had not played professionally since leaving the Shrimpers in January 2018 before coming back to Roots Hall.

But Molesley insisted it had been a calculated decision to bring the striker back.

“This wasn’t a last gasp desperate throw of the dice from us,” said Molesley.

“This has been a calculated move from us and he’s been working hard to earn the right to get a chance to even train with the group and then again to get on the pitch.

“Unfortunately a slight slip has put paid to that but I’m hoping that’s not the last we see of Nile.

“If he continues to show the right attitude I’m sure he will come back better and even hungrier.”