Southend are facing an injury crisis ahead of Saturday's match with Carlisle.

Manager Steve Tilson has limited options for the trip to Cumbria, especially at the back.

Defenders Osei Sankofa and Jean-Yves M'Voto have been ruled out for at least six weeks with with knee and hip injuries respectively.

Therefore midfielder Anthony Grant will be deployed centre-back for the second time, having featured there during last weekend's 2-1 win against Bristol Rovers.

Meanwhile, winger Damian Scannell is out with a tendinitis problem in the bottom of his foot, which he picked up during Tuesday's reserve draw with Wycombe.

The former Eastleigh man has been blighted with injuries since joining the Shrimpers and now looks set for another spell on the sidelines.