SIM Akinola could still have a future at Southend United.
The striker – who suffered a serious knee injury last season – was not offered a new deal at the end of the previous campaign.
But Akinola has returned for pre-season training and Blues boss Kevin Maher has not ruled out playing him in the forthcoming friendlies.
“Sim is using us to get fit and we will see where that goes,” said Maher.
“I think he was unlucky with the injury he had last year and how it came about.
“All he wants to do is come and prove his fitness and it’s only right we do that and have a look at him as well.
“We will see what the games are like and if there is an opportunity to play him then we will have a look at him but he’s coming back from a long injury and he’s another one we don’t want to rush.”
Akinola came in from the cold to start against Eastleigh in October but was forced off with a knee injury and has yet to play since.
The former Barnet forward has scored twice in 25 games since joining Blues in 2020.
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