Colchester United have been rocked by the news that defender Brian Wilson will be out for up to two months with ankle ligament damage.
The attacking right-back, who signed for the U's from Bristol City last summer, suffered the injury in the final stages of training, on Tuesday.
John White is set to replace him in Colchester's starting line-up on New Year's Day when they take on Charlton Athletic.
Manager John Ward said: "He has turned his ankle and is on crutches now.
"Luckily there's been no break but he'll be out for the next couple of months.
"Brian has been one of the most consistent players in the team and unfortunately, he's going to miss a period of matches now."
For all of the latest Colchester United news, including Marc Tierney's weekly column, see Thursday's Gazette.
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