Southend United will be without two key players for three upcoming National League fixtures after international call-ups. Goalkeeper Joe Duncan and centre-back Dan Cox have been named in the Wales Under-21 squad for their UEFA European Championship qualifiers later this month.
The pair will miss the home games against Barrow and Fylde, plus the away trip to Eastleigh. Their absence comes as Southend sit third in the table with 17 points from eight games. The Shrimpers' recent form reads two wins, two draws and one defeat from their last five outings.
Cox has represented Wales from under-15 level upwards, while Duncan receives his first call-up after a strong start to his loan spell from Bristol City. Wales Under-21s face Belgium and Austria during the international break.
Kevin Maher's side must now plan without the duo, starting with their next match away to 23rd-placed Gateshead on Saturday. Fans can check the full schedule on the club's fixtures page and view this season's squad depth on the squad list. The manager will hope others step up to maintain their push near the top of the standings.
The original report is at Southend Echo
