Colchester United defender Josh Thompson could miss the rest of the season with his hamstring injury.
The U's are reluctant to rush the centre-back too early, after he suffered the injury in their 2-1 victory over Leyton Orient, last weekend.
Thompson will miss Colchester's trip to play Notts County this weekend.
And boss Dunne said although the injury is not as bad as first feared, the former Celtic centre-back may not play again this season.
Dunne said: “Josh will miss out this weekend as he’s still carrying a hamstring injury.
“It’s not as bad as we’d feared but we’ll just have to progress with it over the next couple of weeks.
“Don’t write anybody off but it would probably be foolish to push him to get back if it’s going to cause lasting damage."
For all of the latest Colchester United news, see the Daily Gazette.
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