Southend could have John White back as they host Tranmere in the Sky Bet League One on Saturday.

Manager Sol Campbell said the defender had returned to training following an illness which ruled him out of the draw at AFC Wimbledon on New Year’s Day.

Sam Barratt, who came on at the end of the AFC Wimbledon game for his first appearance of the season, could be included in Campbell’s match squad as he continues his return to the first team.

Defender Harry Lennon remains sidelined for the rest of the season after undergoing an operation on a broken leg, while Nathan Ralph and Luke Hyam are also expected to miss out.

Tranmere will be without Cameron Borthwick-Jackson for the trip to Southend.

The 22-year-old went back to parent club Manchester United following a loan spell at Rovers, where he made six appearances.

However, in a boost for manager Micky Mellon, midfielder Ollie Banks has returned to training following a three-month absence, while Harvey Gilmour and Luke McCullough both featured in the Football League Trophy third-round defeat to Leicester on Tuesday.

Sid Nelson could miss out after he was withdrawn against the Foxes with a thigh problem.