Colchester United manager John McGreal revealed that Sammie Szmodics had gone to hospital after being stretchered off early on during today’s 2-0 defeat at Gresty Road.

The U’s indifferent away form continued, with a disappointing defeat at lowly Crewe, while attacking midfielder Szmodics was injured while making a challenge inside the first 10 minutes.

The visitors were undone by a brace from Chris Dagnall, who scored in either half on 26 and 83 minutes to seal the U’s fate.

McGreal said: “Sammie (Szmodics) went down in the first half, which hindered us, but I was delighted with the way we came back into it in the second half.

“Sammie has gone off to hospital as a precaution. His leg is in a brace, and he’s gone for an X-ray.

“We are waiting to hear how he gets on.”

Szmodics had only just come back from a fourth-month absence with an ankle injury, which had required an operation. Today was only his fourth appearance since his return,

McGreal continued: “It’s a setback, but I have to take the positives from the second half, and take that into our home game against Luton next weekend.

“I’m frustrated that we didn’t get anything from this game, because we had so many chances in the second half.

“If Rekeil’s (Pyke’s) header had gone in, then I think Crewe would have been nervous because they haven’t been good at home recently.

“Their keeper (Ben Garratt) also made two good saves, and I could see them being edgy at 1-0.

“At least we gave the fans something to shout about with our second-half performance.”