SIMON Cox is one of three Southend United players to be struggling with calf injuries.

Cox top scored for the Shrimpers with 17 goals last season.

But the 32-year-old has been unable to train so far this week and Blues boss Kevin Bond confirmed the striker would not feature against Reading in Saturday’s pre-season friendly. 

“Coxy actually injured himself during his preparations for pre-season,” said Bond.

“He was preparing to come back in with us but he’s been unable to join in with us so far and he won’t be able to play against Reading at the weekend.

However, Cox is not the only Blues player to be forced onto the sidelines as midfielders Timothee Dieng and Luke Hyam have also suffered calf problems.

“Tim felt something on the first day of pre-season and he hasn’t trained with us since,” said Bond.

“Luke has also injured his calf and he’s had an injection because we think it might be something nerve related.”

Hyam joined Blues last season following his release from Ipswich Town but endured an injury hit first campaign at Roots Hall.

The 27-year-old made just 11 starts in League One last season and has now also suffered an injury-hit start to the new campaign.