TWO Southend United defenders could step up their return from injury in a behind doors clash on Tuesday.

Ollie Kensdale and Harry Taylor are both close to coming back from a fractured cheekbone and a hamstring problem respectively. 

And the duo could play in a game this week with Leyton Orient the expected opposition.

“Kens has his first session back with us on Thursday but it was really light and it was the first time he’s worn the mask so I was reluctant to put him in to that on Saturday,” said Maher.

“Harry Taylor has had a week where we haven’t done a lot training wise but we may have a game on Tuesday to get them minutes in.

“If they come through that then they may be available for Saturday’s game with Woking.”

Kensdale has missed the Shrimpers’ last five games with his injury while Taylor has not played since early October.