SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher will be making a number of late fitness checks before finalising his starting line-up against Wrexham on Saturday.

Maher will again be assessing the fitness of goalkeeper Steve Arnold who has missed the last five games with a back problem and defender Nathan Ralph who has been struggling with a knee problem.

Midfielder Noor Husin has missed the last six matches with a knee problem but travelled to Chesterfield on Tuesday and will continue to be monitored.

“Noor travelled on Tuesday and it was easier to monitor what he did from there,” said Maher.

“He’s had a training session and we took him to be part of it.

“He did a session before the game too and he’s another one we will be making a late check on.”

Kacper Lopata is expected to be fit enough to feature after going off with cramp against Chesterfield while Blues are double checking if Jake Hyde - who is on loan from Wrexham - can play against his parent club.

“Jake has had a good amount of training now and he came on the other night too,” said Maher.

“Overall that’s pleasing and hopefully whoever is picked will step up and perform the way we know they can.”

Echosport understands that there is nothing contractually agreed to stop Hyde featuring this weekend but the club are seeking clarification from the National League.

Midfielder Harry Taylor (knee) and strikers Rhys Murphy (knee) and Harry Cardwell (ankle) are all still sidelined.