Colchester United will miss George Elokobi ahead of his upcoming suspension, according to Tony Humes.

But the U's boss also feels the experienced defender's one-match ban could also have its benefits, in the long run.

Elokobi will miss Colchester's home game against League One leaders Gillingham this weekend, following his red card in the U's 3-2 win at Sheffield United on Tuesday night.

Elokobi has started the club's last four matches, having recovered from the calf problem that interrupted his pre-season.

The 29-year-old former Wolves defender will now sit out Colchester's next game but Humes says it is not all bad news.

Humes said: “In some ways it might not do him any harm to have a breather.

“He’s still trying to get back to full fitness and it’s difficult to get through a season, if you haven’t had a full pre-season.

“It’s not the end of the world, but we’ll still miss him."

For a full preview of Colchester's game with league leaders Gillingham, see Friday's Daily Gazette.