Luckless Will Packwood has returned to Birmingham City after his loan spell at Colchester United was cut short by injury.

The 21-year-old defender managed to play just 67 minutes for the U’s, after being sent off on his debut at MK Dons last month.

Packwood picked up a groin injury in bringing down Benik Afobe, which led to him receiving the first red card of his career during Colchester’s 6-0 defeat at stadiummk.

The 6ft 3in centre-back, who joined the U’s on a month’s loan on November 24, is now receiving treatment for the injury at parent club Birmingham.

And it appears unlikely that the United States under-23 international will now return to the Weston Homes Community Stadium, at least in his current loan spell.

Colchester manager Tony Humes said: “Will was injured at the same time as his sending off against MK Dons.

“He’s gone back to Birmingham and they’re monitoring his progress.

“Unfortunately, it looks unlikely that he’ll be fit for two or three weeks.

“To have the sending off and the red card was very unfortunate for Will.

“The game at MK Dons was a tough one for everyone and Will didn’t get much help from those around him.”

For all of the latest Colchester United news, see the Daily Gazette.