Dougie has not featured for the Blues since suffering a thigh injury against Orient in late September after he had scored his fourth goal in four games. However, he featured in a practice match at the club's training ground on Tuesday and the 34-year old Scotsman is keen to comeback this weekend.
Speaking to the Southend Evening Echo Freedman said: "We will take another look at it today but I feel fine at the moment and think I could play this weekend, We played three periods of 25 minutes in a mixed match against ourselves and I played all of them. I've come through it with no problems at all apart from being a little bit sore and stiff which is to be expected. Personally I would like to be involved against Huddersfield but it's going to be up to the manager. I know he can be quite cautious about these things because he doesn't want players rushing back but I do feel ready to return now which is great because it's been a very frustrating time for me."
Southend also hope to be boosted by the return of Lee Barnard this weekend. The Blues top scorer has not played since mid-October due to a hamstring injury however even more caution is shown where the good Lord is concerned, especially after one failed comeback against Scunthorpe away where he limped back off at half-time.
At least one of these players becoming available, both have been greatly missed, would be a real boost to Tilly who has seen his team slip down to 11th place, 8 points off the play-off zone, after 5 league games without a win.
Start the chanting now.