Colchester United defender Fiacre Kelleher ruled out

The popular 27-year-old central defender has suffered a Grade Two Rectus Femoris tear, meaning he is unlikely to return to action until late February.

It is the latest injury setback this season for Kelleher, who only returned to Colchester's starting line-up last month after missing two months with a groin injury.

The former Bradford City defender has managed only six starts for the U's in League Two, this season.

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Colchester head coach Matty Etherington said: "He pulled up on Wednesday in our match prep.

"He's devastated.

"It's a Grade Two rec fem tear, which means he'll be out for two months.

"I spoke to him (on Friday) once we got the results and had a good chat with him and he's obviously really down at the minute, because he's had previous injuries.

"I think it may be related to his back; he's had a lot of soreness and stiffness in his back lately and I know exactly how that feels, as I had that as a player.

"We spoke about maybe ways that moving forward, we can maybe remedy that but first and foremost it's about Kells and making sure he's alright.

"He's such a good influence on the group, such a good person, such a good character.

"It's really unfortunate for him and unfortunate for us."

Colchester did welcome back fellow centre-backs Connor Hall and Tom Dallison from injury against Salford City last night.

Hall returned from an eight-game absence following hernia surgery and played for nearly an hour in the 2-1 win, while Dallison came off the bench for the final half hour after missing three league matches with a back problem.

Etherington added: "The likes of Hally and Dallo coming back does ease that a little bit."