Loanee Britt Assombalonga will miss Southend's FA Cup first-round tie having been denied permission to feature by his parent club.
The Shrimpers' nine-goal leading scorer will be forced to watch from the stands at Roots Hall as Watford have refused him permission to play.
He will return to contention for Tuesday's League Two clash at Bristol Rovers.
Striker Freddy Eastwood is a doubt having injured his back while getting up from a chair but there is good news elsewhere for manager Paul Sturrock.
Loan pair Marc Laird and Jonson Clarke-Harris have been cleared to play by Leyton Orient and Peterborough respectively.
Michael Timlin is back in the fold following his ankle problem while fellow midfielder Ryan Leonard (hamstring) and defender Luke Prosser (gluteus maximus) have also returned to training.
