Phillips has made just two Southend starts since joining from Brentford

Southend United defender Mark Phillips will be out for up to six weeks after undergoing surgery on a hernia.

The 28-year-old has not featured since the end of August because of a hamstring problem.

Boss Paul Sturrock told the club website: "He's having surgery which is obviously a blow for us and him.

"Mark has had injury problems this season which has been unfortunate as we signed a few centre-backs so we would have competition for places."

The Shrimpers, who are without a fixture this weekend, are short on defensive options, with left-back Peter Gilbert likely to receive a three-match suspension for the red card he received against Stevenage on Tuesday.

I spoke to the referee afterwards who said he would look at the incident on the DVD Southend United defender Peter Gilbert

Meanwhile centre-half Bilel Mohsni and midfielder Anthony Grant received their fifth bookings of the season and will serve one-match suspensions.

Southend can appeal against Gilbert's sending off for a tackle on Boro's Jon Ashton, but are yet to do so.

After the game, 27-year-old Gilbert said: "I spoke to the referee afterwards who said he would look at the incident on the DVD and if he feels he has got it incorrect he would have no problem with rescinding the red card.

"Fair play to him for that but I am devastated if I end up missing games because of it."

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