SOUTHEND United defender Joe Gubbins remains sidelined with an Achilles injury.

Gubbins has missed the last three matches for the Shrimpers.

And Blues boss Kevin Maher hinted the centre-back is unlikely to be available again for this weekend's clash with Forest Green Rovers at Roots Hall.

"Joe's still with the medical department and he's been doing some straight line running," said Maher.

"Hopefully he will push on and we will go on how he feels a little bit.

"There's a process in terms of what things look like.

"He was starting to feel well so we pushed him on a bit.

"We'll keep moving him on and see how he reacts to each stage of the recovery."