COLCHESTER United boss Joe Dunne might consider bringing in a new player, if injuries to Brian Wilson, Matt Heath and Sanchez Watt do not clear up quickly.

Right-back Wilson failed to appear for the second half of Saturday’s 2-0 home win over Carlisle, due to a groin strain.

And winger Watt, on loan from Arsenal, limped off with a knee problem on the hour mark.

Dunne has ample back-up in attack, with Freddie Sears an obvious replacement for Watt, but he would be a more stretched in defence if Wilson is ruled out for any length of time, especially as centre-half Heath is already sidelined with a tweaked hamstring.

John White is set to replace Wilson at Leyton Orient on Tuesday evening, if the latter does not recover in time, but that would leave no experienced defensive cover on the bench.

Dunne explained: “Brian (Wilson) had a slight groin strain. It was feeling a bit tight and we didn’t want to take any chances with that.

“As for Sanchez (Watt), we are hoping it’s just a bang on the knee.

“It stretches us, but resilience is what we need, and whoever comes in, needs to do the job.

“If the chairman lets me, I might have to look at bringing someone in.

“Financially it’s so tight, and we need to assess the injuries quickly.

“I have loads of targets I could bring in, but that’s easier said than done because you need to free up some money and the chairman has helped me already with the three loanees.

“He has done fantastic for me, but we may have to address it and maybe have a look at it over the next 24 hours,” added Dunne.

Meanwhile, the U’s have been drawn away at either Essex neighbours Chelmsford City or East Thurrock in the first round of the FA Cup.

Chelmsford were held to a 2-2 home draw by East Thurrock at Melbourne Stadium on Saturday, and the two will meet for a fourth qualifying round replay on Tuesday evening (kick-off 7.45pm).