Colchester United’s squad have been dogged by hamstring injuries this season, and Brian Wilson and Alex Gilbey are the latest to suffer the curse.

Midfielder Gilbey, who missed Tuesday night’s 1-0 home defeat by Sheffield United, will again have to sit out Saturday’s trip to Leyton Orient with a tweaked hamstring.

Gilbey had been on the bench in recent weeks, but would have almost certainly had a part to play at Brisbane Road.

And skipper Brian Wilson, who was substituted at half-time against the Blades, after feeling a twinge in his hamstring, is facing a battle to be fit for the visit to East London.

If Wilson fails a fitness test, then Leicester loanee Alie Sesay will be in line to make his full debut, and clock up his second appearance for the U’s, in the right-back role.

The likes of Gavin Massey and Freddie Sears have already suffered long-term hamstring injuries this season, missing several months of action.

Manager Joe Dunne believes that hamstring injuries are becoming more common, across the board, as the speed and tempo of training, and game-time, continues to increase.

“Players are operating at a higher speed now, so hamstring injuries are becoming more common,” confirmed Dunne at this morning’s press conference.

Meanwhile, Dunne is ready for the challenge of league leaders Leyton Orient, following Tuesday’s night hic-cup against the Blades.

Dunne warned: “Please don’t judge us on one game, and with all the doom-mongers that come with it.

“I know we didn’t win (on Tuesday night) and I know we didn’t play well.

“I know the pain the fans feel in the stands

“But we haven’t got time to feel sorry for ourselves. We must pull our socks up and go again.”