Colchester United are optimistic that the injury suffered by winger Drey Wright in their under-21 defeat against Sheffield Wednesday is not as bad as first feared.

Wright hurt his left knee in the closing stages of the U’s 5-0 home reverse in their Professional Development League Two clash with the Owls, on Monday night.

The 20-year-old, who was sidelined for a number of weeks earlier this season with an injury to his right knee, had to be helped off the pitch after suffering the knock.

But Colchester boss Tony Humes says Colchester are hopeful that his injury is not as bad as first feared.

Humes said: “We’re assessing Drey’s injury but it’s settled down quite well.

“It happened after he had a shot and came down on his knee.

“Our first thoughts were that he was going to be struggling.

“But we will assess it again tomorrow and hopefully he’ll part of our squad for Saturday.”

It was a bruising night all-round for Colchester, for whom Dominic Vose and Kevin Lokko were also forced out of the action.

Centre-back Lokko went off with a head injury after just 15 minutes, forcing a defensive reshuffle.

And Vose suffered an impact injury in the second half, which led to him being withdrawn and replaced by Dominic Smith.

But Hume said: “It was a good learning experience for the younger players.

“The result doesn’t look very good but I don’t think it was a 5-0 and they took advantage when our players got tired towards the end.”

Colchester fell behind midway through the first half when Franck Betra controlled a through pass and drilled past keeper James Bransgrove.

Tom Lapslie went close and Wright clipped the outside of a post following Kane Vincent-Young’s great run, just before half-time.

Vose fired narrowly wide early in the second half but Ryan Meadows then rounded Bransgrove and slotted into the empty net, to double the Owls’ lead.

Will de Havilland volleyed in a fine goal with 17 minutes remaining to make it 3-0 and Colchester were forced to play the closing stages with only ten men after Wright limped off, having used all of their substitutes.

Meadows and substitute Matt Penney both struck in the closing stages, as Wednesday claimed victory.

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