Colchester United defender Mandela Egbo suffers injury blow

The 26-year-old defender suffered the injury in the first half of the U’s 1-0 defeat at MK Dons, on Boxing Day.

Egbo underwent a scan yesterday, where it was confirmed that he had sustained a Grade Two Medial Cruciate Ligament injury.

The former Swindon Town and Charlton Athletic defender could be out until March, joining the likes of Fiacre Kelleher, Samson Tovide and Nico Lawrence in the treatment room.

READ MORE: Why late goals are proving so detrimental to Colchester's season

Colchester head coach Matty Etherington said: “He had a scan (on Wednesday) and it’s not good news unfortunately.

“It’s a Grade Two MCL, so we’re looking at the same kind of injury as Owura Edwards had earlier on in the season.

“It’s six to eight weeks which again is a blow.

“As soon as we’re getting players back, we seem to be losing one or two as well so it’s disappointing and more importantly, disappointing for Manny.

“They’re not sure if he’ll need surgery yet.

“With Owura, it was about putting it in a brace and letting it settle down and little movement throughout the knee.

“We’ll have to assess it and get advice on it.

“It’s not ideal but it’s the trials and tribulations of what life throws at us as players, staff and you’ve just got to get on with it and deal with it and that’s what we’ll try and do.”

Meanwhile, Colchester striker Samson Tovide has undergone surgery on his left ankle and is set to be out for three months.

READ MORE: 'All supporters want is something to cheer and a team to be proud of'

The 19-year-old suffered the injury in the second half of the U’s 2-1 home defeat to Crawley Town, on December 9.

It had initially been hoped that Tovide might not need to have an operation but it was recommended that he had surgery, which was performed by Peter Rosenfeld at the Fortius clinic, at the start of last week.

Etherington said: “They were unsure whether to operate but he went to see the specialist and he did.

“We haven’t seen Samson in and around the building much, over Christmas.

“He’s resting at home with his family but I got in touch with him and he’s in a positive frame of mind.

“The operation has been done and he’s looking forward to getting back.”