COLCHESTER United right-back Brian Wilson will be out for up to eight weeks after injuring his ankle ligaments.

The 27-year-old sustained the injury on Tuesday after innocuously rolling it in a training match.

The attack-minded full-back has been a virtual ever-present for the U’s in the first half of the season following his free transfer move from Bristol City in the summer.

He is now on crutches though and has been ruled out for six to eight weeks – the U’s already scheduled to play 13 games in that time with even more likely to be added following rearrangements.

It’s a big blow to Wilson who already missed two whole seasons of his career through serious leg injuries,

“Strangely enough, Brian turned his ankle on the flattest pitch we’ve been on,” said Ward.

“We went to Thurstable School and played an eleven v eleven game and in the very last minute he went over with no-one around him.

“It’s a shame for Brian because he’s been playing really well and been one of the most consistent performers in the team.

“It’s pretty serious, but luckily there’s no break which was our first fear.”

– For the latest news on U’s manager John Ward’s plans for the transfer window and an update on David Mooney’s loan situation from Reading, see tomorrow’s EADT.