Southend suffer Sam Barratt blow

Southend manager Chris Powell has suffered a major blow with the news that Sam Barratt will be out “long term” with a knee injury.

Barratt will have a second consultation next week to determine the exact extent of the problem, but Powell has been told by the club’s medical staff that the midfielder will be sidelined for some time.

Fellow midfielder Luke Hyam is doubtful as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury while centre-back Harry Lennon is still sidelined with a broken toe.

Shawn McCoulsky is in line to make his first league appearance after scoring on his debut in the Carabao Cup defeat to Brentford, while Powell hopes three unnamed players will recover from illness in time to feature.

Bradford head coach Michael Collins will be without the suspended Tyrell Robinson for the long trip to Southend.

Winger Robinson was suspended by the club with immediate effect on Thursday, but no details have been given for the reason behind the decision.

Robinson came off the bench in the opening two league games and was named as a substitute for the Carabao Cup defeat against Macclesfield.

Defender Matt Kilgallon has yet to be involved this season after being overlooked for the captaincy, while striker Alex Jones is close to a return following an ankle injury.