Christophe misses Os clash

Southend will be without midfielder Jean-Francois Christophe when Leyton Orient visit Roots Hall.

The French midfielder was sent off at Swindon last weekend after being shown two yellow cards, and although the referee contacted boss Steve Tilson to admit he had made a mistake, Christophe will serve a one-match ban.

Tilson is short of options as the Shrimpers go in search of their first League One win of the season after losing several players this week.

John White and Matt Heath have returned to Colchester after their loan spells came to an end, while Alex Revell has joined Swindon on loan and Kevin Betsy has returned to Wycombe.

On-loan midfielder Lee Sawyer (knee) is an injury concern and Damien Scannell is expected to be on the bench once again despite scoring against Swindon, as he builds up his fitness following injury and illness.

Francis Laurent (ankle) could be restored to the starting line-up.

Kristian O'Leary should make his Leyton Orient debut.

The midfielder this week joined the Os on a month-long loan from Swansea and proved his match fitness with a run-out for the reserves.

Winger Andros Townsend will also be involved after extending his loan spell from Tottenham.

Goalkeeper Jamie Jones missed last weekend's 2-2 draw against Carlisle with a hip injury and will be checked over with Glenn Morris on standby to deputise again.

Sean Thornton remains doubtful with the knee injury which has sidelined him recently but fellow midfielder Adam Chambers came through his comeback unscathed following a calf problem and should figure again.

Youngster Darryl Sydes also played for the reserves in midweek following an ankle injury.