SOUTHEND United are facing a defensive shortage for Saturday's clash with Gateshead at Roots Hall.

Harry Taylor suffered a hamstring injury during Tuesday night's 1-1 draw at Wealdstone in a game which also Shrimpers skipper Nathan Ralph pick up his fifth yellow card of the season.

Ralph will now serve a one match suspension while Taylor looks set for a spell on the sidelines.

Blues boss Kevin Maher confirmed: "It’s hard to tell now but it’s a hamstring so that’s never good.

"We’ll have to see where we’re at.

"There will be some sore bodies but we'll have to deal with it and see where we are."

Blues do have left sided centre-back Joe Gubbins ready to come in but are short of options on the other side of the back three.

George Wind replaced Taylor after his injury late on at Wealdstone but the former Billericay Town man is more used to lining up at right wing-back.