FORMER Colchester United favourite George Elokobi could be sidelined for the rest of the season, after his worst fears were realised by the results of a scan yesterday.

Carl Marston

By Carl Marston

FORMER Colchester United favourite George Elokobi could be sidelined for the rest of the season, after his worst fears were realised by the results of a scan yesterday.

Elokobi had claimed the left-back role for his own at his new club Wolves, for whom he moved from the U's in January, but his career has been put on hold following a serious knee injury sustained during Wanderers' 2-0 win at Ipswich on Saturday.

The Cameroon-born defender had been hoping that the damage was only limited, but it might be touch and go whether he plays any further part in Wolves' Championship campaign.

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy confirmed: “It's a bad injury. It looks like George has got damage to his medial, his lateral and his anterior cruciate.

“It's just disappointing for him and disappointing for all of us because he has been terrific.”

Elokobi signed for the U's from non-league Dulwich Hamlet during the summer of 2004, and gradually forced his way into the first team. The no-nonsense left-back went on to make 46 senior appearances for the U's, and has since established himself in the Wolves set-up.

The 22-year-old made 15 appearances for the Molineux club last term, and a further four at the start of this season. He injured his knee while falling awkwardly trying to shepherd the ball out of play, just after the hour mark at Portman Road.

Meanwhile, his former U's team-mates have a big game tomorrow, at home to League One leaders Oldham Athletic. It will be the second competitive game to be staged at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

Striker Steve Gillespie is a non-starter with his hamstring injury, sustained while scoring a late consolation goal in Tuesday night's 2-1 defeat at Ipswich in the Carling Cup. Scott Vernon and Clive Platt are therefore set to play up front.