M'voto set to be out until January

Is it a premature farewell for M'Voto from Blues fans?

M'Voto picked up the hip injury during the goalless draw with Leeds and only lasted one half against Brighton on September 19 before being substituted.

He even returned to parent club Sunderland to seek treatment before returning to south east Essex but has never fully recovered.

The surgery will see the removal of loose bone in the hip joint and he is set to be out until the new year.

As the present loan agreement is down to end in January, it's fair to say the powerful French defender may never wear the Blue of Southend again, which would be unfortunate as the 6ft 4in 21-year old certainly helped strengthen the back four in the 6 appearances he was able to make.

Presuming the transfer embargo will be lifted Tilly willl be sure to have another central defender high on his shopping list.

To end on a happier note both Dougie Freedman and Damien Scannell resumed training today and may be fit enough to be included in what is presently a very small squad for Saturday's first round F.A. Cup tie at Gillingham.