Winger Damian Scannell's season is over after it was confirmed that he has broken his fifth metatarsal today.

Scannell limped off in the 64th minute of last nights 3-0 win against Walsall at Roots Hall.

And now the 24-year-old faces 6-8 weeks on the sidelines meaning he is unlikely to return before the end of the season.

"Damian won't require surgery," physio John Stannard told southendunited.co.uk today.

"It's not displaced and will heal on its own given time but unfortunately it looks like he won't play again this season.

"The doctor has put him in a walking boot and it's a case of him now just waiting for his body to repair."

The news will come as a huge blow to manager Steve Tilson who last night praised Scannell as his most consistent performer in recent weeks.

Meanwhile, Frenchman Francis Laurent is set for an injection into his pelvis tomorrow to help him overcome his hip problem.