COLCHESTER United will assess the knee injury sustained by Ryan Clampin in their 4-0 FA Cup triumph at AFC Sudbury.

The 22-year-old left-back was forced out of the U's first-round win in the 12th minute, at the MEL Group Stadium.

Clampin injured his knee in a challenge and was forced to make an early departure, replaced by Cameron Coxe.

The U's academy product only returned to their squad last weekend against Scunthorpe United, following a lay-off after contracting Covid.

Colchester head coach Hayden Mullins said: "Ryan had a problem with his knee - he didn't feel too right with it.

"He wanted to carry on but there was a bit of swelling in there.

"He had a tackle from their wide player early on and then he sort of hit the pitch and felt a little bit of a problem after that - I think it was a combination of both.

"It's a bit of a concern and we've only just got Ryan back.

"He's such a good player for us and he brings so much energy and quality to the team.

"To lose him so early was a blow but I thought Cameron Coxe came on and did really well.

"We'll have a look at that one and see how he comes through."

Clampin was one of two changes to Colchester's starting line-up for the AFC Sudbury tie.

Junior Tchamadeu also returned to their side, having missed their previous three matches due to suspension.

As a result, Miles Welch-Hayes dropped to the bench, while Charlie Daniels was rested.

Mullins added: "We wanted a bit more pace and I thought we'd have to go in round the sides.

"We thought they might sit in and camp in so I thought out route might be out in the wide areas with our two wingers and I wanted our two full-backs to join in and really give them a problem.

"Clamps is really good at getting forward really quick - he bombs on.

"Junior (Tchamadeu) on the other side is similar to Ryan in that."