In the very worst scenario, Colchester United could be without eight regulars for Sunday’s away game against Coventry City.

Certainly, the U’s squad has suddenly become decimated by injuries, suspension and illness.

The fall-out from Tuesday night’s heavy 4-1 defeat at Dagenham & Redbridge was more than just a quick exit from the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.

Far more worrying was the number of casualties picked up from that Essex derby, which the U’s had actually led 1-0 going into the second half.

Attackers Freddie Sears (groin), Drey Wright (calf) and Sanchez Watt (ankle) all missed out against the Daggers.

But they have now been joined in the treatment room by new club captain Brian Wilson (calf), winger Gavin Massey (hamstring) and striker Clinton Morrison (hamstring).

In addition, centre-half Magnus Okuonghae will be suspended for the U’s game against Coventry (to be played at Northampton’s Sixfields Stadium), after being sent off for two bookable offences at Victoria Road.

And left-back Ryan Dickson is also struggling with ill health – he was physically sick during the half-time break.

“It was a disastrous night, in terms of that,” admitted Dunne.

“The result takes care of itself. We’ve been beaten and we stand up to that.

“But Sanchez (Watt), Freddie (Sears) and Drey (Wright) all didn’t play because they were injured. They are all seeing specialists this week.

“With Freddie and Sanchez, it’s injuries they have been carrying before. The intensity of last Saturday’s game (against Leyton Orient) had pushed them on, and Tuesday’s game came too quick.

“Drey has got a problem with his calves. We are just trying to work it out. He’s had a back injury and we think that might be related.

“If we can get that fixed by the end of the week, then we can add him back into the squad.

“But we’ve now had Ryan Dickson being physically sick, while Brian Wilson has hurt his calf and both Gavin (Massey) and Clinton (Morrison) have hamstring problems.

“We were just trying to preserve players at the end.

“So there’s a lot of work to do in the treatment room this week.

“We have to regroup and stay focused on what we’ve done this season, because we’ve been good.

“This is not panic stations. It’s a heavy defeat in a JPT tournament, and we’ve been beaten heavily in two Cup matches now

“We have to stay mentally tough,” added Dunne.