Rotherham will be without influential midfielder Kari Arnason.
The 29-year-old is on international duty with Iceland and boss Steve Evans will be hoping to avoid a repeat of the last time Arnason played for his country as he picked up an ankle injury and missed the next four games.
David Noble, who is trying to put off-the-field personal problems behind him, could come back into the side after Evans described the midfielder's performance in a behind-closed-doors game with Peterborough in the week as "marvellous".
Striker Daniel Nardiello has recovered from a groin injury and is in contention to start, while Laurie Wilson is also back from a knee problem, but is less likely to be involved.
Alex Revell serves the final instalment of his three-match ban so will play no part.
The visit of the Shrimpers also sees Evans complete his six-match stadium ban handed out by the FA for improper conduct, with the Scot watching the game via live streaming.
Luke Prosser is an injury doubt for Southend while Barry Corr is also struggling despite completing his three-match suspension.
Defender Prosser played through the pain barrier on Tuesday night as he shrugged off a gluteus maximus injury to complete 90 minutes in the Shrimpers' 2-0 Johnstone's Paint Trophy victory over Dagenham.
But he is now struggling to face the Millers and will be assessed along with striker Corr who, having missed the last three matches due to his red card at Plymouth, is battling to shrug off a slight groin problem.
John Spicer serves the final game of his three-match ban but Sturrock's midfield options may be boosted by the return of Ryan Leonard, who was back in training on Thursday following his hamstring injury.
Centre-back Mark Phillips (groin) and experienced striker Neil Harris (knee) continue to miss out.
