Colchester United head coach John McGreal says he will try and bring in reinforcements in the January transfer window in the wake of Luke Prosser’s long-term injury.

The U’s have been hit by the news that skipper Prosser will miss the rest of the season, after undergoing knee surgery on Wednesday.

McGreal said: “The window is quickly coming up and it’s only round the corner.

“It’s something we’ll be looking to strengthen, whether it’s a centre-half or whatever.

“But I think we will be in the market to look to try and strengthen.”

Prosser undergoing surgery is the latest injury blow for Colchester, this season.

The U’s have already had to do without the likes of Matt Briggs, Doug Loft and Lewis Kinsella for long periods, while Chris Porter and Lloyd Doyley are undergoing continued assessment.

Colchester have decided against including midfielder Loft in their under-23 squad for their Professional Development League Two game against QPR today.

Loft has been missing for the last two and a half months with an Achilles injury but played 45 minutes on his comeback in the under-23s' 4-1 triumph over Millwall, on Monday.

McGreal added: “Doug isn’t far away but he’s still a little bit sore.

“You pick up little niggles but we have to be careful and monitor him.”

Dion Sembie-Ferris and Louis Dunne are both in the squad to take on Rangers, kick-off 2pm.