Colchester United boss Steve Whitton has learned striker Scott McGleish cracked an elbow after falling heavily in Saturday's pre-season friendly at Bury Town.
Whitton said: "It's not good news for us because Scott is our main striker.
"An x-ray has revealed a cracked bone and now we are waiting for him to see a specialist to find out just how bad the damage really is."
McGleish's absence has given Bristol Rovers triallist Christian Lee the chance to step up his bid for a contract.
Whitton said: "Christian will definitely start the match against Charlton on Saturday and it will give him a great opportunity to show me what he can do."
Former Millwall midfielder Bobby Bowry is currently thinking over the terms of a new contract having impressed Whitton in training.
U's under-19's beat Cornard 2-0 on Wednesday night with goals from Matt Hearn and Lloyd Opara
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