SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher will make a late decision on Ollie Kensdale ahead of Tuesday night's clash with Altrincham at Roots Hall.

Kensdale went off towards the end of Saturday’s 4-1 win against Aldershot Town after suffering a nasty cut just below his right eye.

And Maher remains unsure if the defender will be fit enough to feature again tomorrow night.

“He’s a bit sore and he’s got a cut under his eye,” said Maher.

“Hopefully it will settle down but we’ll leave it as long as possible to see where he’s at.”

Kensdale has started every game for the Shrimpers so far this season but if he misses out on Tuesday evening then Blues could be short of defenders.

Maher will again be without Louis Lomas who has yet to play this season due to a groin problem.

And right wing-back Gus Scott-Morriss looks set to miss his third game in succession with a knee problem.

“Gus’ knee has come down a fair bit,” said Maher.

“But we’re still waiting on the scan results to see where it is before we can really do anything.”

Jason Demetriou seems certain to continue in the starting line-up which will again be without Harry Taylor who has a hamstring injury.

But Maher remains hopeful progress is being made.

“He’s still with the medical team,” said Maher.

“He will get out and hopefully try and do some jogging this week.

“Hopefully he will start to push along a bit further.”

Striker Callum Powell is still out with a long-term knee problem and the Shrimpers are also keeping tabs on top goalscorer Harry Cardwell who had to come off 10 minutes from time against Aldershot.

“He was cramping up a bit,” confirmed Maher.

“He’s another one we’re monitoring.”

Marcus Dackers scored after replacing Cardwell at the weekend and will be eager to be given another opportunity tonight against his former team.

And midfielder Oli Coker could also be available after recovering from a thigh problem.

“He joined in training again,” said Maher.

“It’s just about him getting a bank of training under his belt to see where he is.”

Coker has missed seven of the last eight games.