Millwall v Southend preview: Ben Thompson faces late test

Millwall midfielder Ben Thompson faces a late fitness test before manager Neil Harris selects his team to host Southend.

He was withdrawn at half-time of last week's 2-0 win at Coventry because of a hamstring issue. If he misses out, Calum Butcher or Jimmy Abdou are expected to deputise.

Harry Smith played for the under-23s on Monday having been absent since early January with a leg injury.

Harris is not expected to make further changes to his team despite Millwall beginning a busy run of fixtures.

Southend goalkeeper Mark Oxley is set for another spell on the sidelines after suffering a fractured elbow.

Oxley had just returned to fitness following a separate elbow problem, and was on the bench for the win over Scunthorpe last weekend, but has been ruled out again following the freak injury during a friendly at Dagenham on Monday.

On-loan Crystal Palace defender Ryan Inniss also featured against the Daggers as he targets a first-team return after being out since early November with a dislocated shoulder.

Striker David Mooney (ankle) and winger Stephen McLaughlin (ankle) continue their rehabilitation, while forward Nile Ranger is available having had his suspension lifted.

The 25-year-old Dutchman was suspended on January 12 following a serious breach of club discipline.

At the time Southend were considering whether to terminate the player's contract, but now say that following a Football Association disciplinary hearing Ranger is back in the fold and available to play for them.

A club statement read: "The Blues are pleased to announce that following a hearing by The FA Disciplinary Commission (on Thursday) Nile Ranger, who has been suspended since January 12, will again be eligible for selection immediately."

Southend head to The Den to face Millwall in Sky Bet League One on Saturday afternoon.