Colchester United fear goalkeeper Sam Walker could miss the rest of the season after he suffered a suspected cruciate ligament injury in their 1-0 Capital One Cup defeat to Reading tonight.

Walker, who made his first competitive start of the season against the Royals, went down in agony after saving a Stephen Quinn shot in the opening stages of the second half, at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

The U's keeper was eventually carried off and boss Tony Humes fears the shot-stopper will be sidelined for a prolonged period of time.

Humes said: “We understand that Sam’s suffered a cruciate ligament injury.

“That’s probably the season for Sam and it’s extremely disappointing both for him and the football club.

“He started the game really well and made some good saves but one little move and we think it’s gone.

“We’ll seek specialist advice and see what it is but it’s devastating for Sam and he’s the priority now.

“it’s going to take a long time and it’s something that we’ll have to deal with it but we’ll look after him."

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