COLCHESTER United striker Samson Tovide has been ruled out for ‘two to three months’ with the ankle injury he suffered during his side’s 2-1 home defeat to Crawley Town, last weekend.

The 19-year-old suffered the injury in the second half of the U’s defeat, at the JobServe Community Stadium.

Tovide, who has scored five times in 21 appearances so far for Colchester this season, is receiving a second opinion on the injury today but it is not thought he will need surgery, at this stage.

Gazette:

Colchester head coach Matty Etherington said: “He had a scan on Monday and unfortunately, it’s not great news.

“He’s got an ankle tear and we’re looking at around two to three months.

“He’s really consolidated his place in the team and it’s just really bad news first and foremost for Samson.

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“It’s obviously disappointing for the team and for the club as well but for Samson, it’s really, really disappointing.

“He’ll be out for two to three months and hopefully, it’s more two.

“Samson has gone for a second opinion today, in case it might need surgery.

“He’s in a boot at the minute and on crutches and just letting it heal.”

Gazette:

Tovide’s injury is a blow to Colchester ahead of a busy fixture schedule, where they will be aiming to pull away from the League Two relegation zone.

However, they were boosted last week by the return to action of experienced striker John Akinde, following a foot injury.

“It seems like it’s the way it’s going at the minute but the one positive is that John is back,” added Etherington.

“Brad (Ihionvien) got some minutes in the 21s (against Leeds United under-21s) which I felt was important on Monday, just to make sure that he’s continuing with his development and getting up those minutes and he’ll be in the squad (for Wrexham) as well.”