Colchester United defender George Elokobi has been ruled out of the U's next two games after being diagnosed with mumps.
The big 19-year-old, who scored his first senior goal against Huddersfield two weeks ago, has been out of training this week after doctors announced he has the contagious illness.
U's physio Stuart Ayles said he has been kept away from the rest of the Colchester players to prevent any of them becoming infected.
The condition means Elokobi will certainly miss the U's trip to Blackpool on Sunday and is also likely to be absent when they line-up against Bournemouth at Layer Road a week later.
Ayles said: "George phoned me up on Monday evening complaining of a swollen neck.
"We sent him to the club doctor and it turns out that he has mumps, which means he has to be isolated from the rest of the squad, and we will monitor his condition over the next couple of weeks."
More in today's Evening Gazette
More on Colchester United FC
Have your say on our Views on the U's bulletin board
Published Thursday, October 6, 2005
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article