CHARLIE Raglan is back in full training with Oxford United, but today’s trip to Southend United will come too soon.
The centre back has recovered after suffering a broken ankle in pre-season.
It is a welcome boost, especially with fellow defender Curtis Nelson ruled out for the campaign with a ruptured Achilles tendon.
U’s boss Pep Clotet is now looking for the 24-year-old to build his fitness, before considering him for selection.
He said: “It is a good beginning for Charlie.
“I think he should be on a clear upwards progression in the next few weeks.”
United have no new injury worries ahead of the trip to Roots Hall.
After losing 4-2 to Blackburn Rovers in midweek Clotet could look to make a change in the back four.
But there is a question mark over the most likely player to come in, Mike Williamson, whose training in the last week has been limited by a virus.
Southend have long-term absentees in defenders Ben Coker (broken leg) and Rob Kiernan (knee), but Anthony Wordsworth, who scored the winner in this fixture last season, could return after a calf strain.
TODAY’S LINE-UPS Southend Utd: Oxley, Demetriou, Ferdinand, Turner, Timlin, Kightly, Leonard, Wright, McLaughlin, Cox, Fortune, Ranger, Wabo, Ba, McGlashan, Yearwood, White, Hendrie, Bishop, Wordsworth.
Oxford Utd: from Eastwood, Tiendalli, Martin, Mousinho, Ricardinho, Henry, Ledson, Ruffels, Rothwell, Payne, Thomas, Obika, Xemi, Napa, Mowatt, Carroll, Williamson, Shearer.
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