Colchester United take another dent to the team with Marc Tierney today ruled out for tonight`s all-important game at the Community Stadium, suffering from a groin injury.
The U`s remain two points ahead of seventh-placed Huddersfield Town with a game in hand in League One – the extra points are up-for-grabs against Brentford. If the U`s come out victorious they could find themselves with a comfortable five-point cushion in the play-off position.
But the injury to fan-favourite Tierney is a big blow. Tierney has been an ever-present in the squad since his arrival from Shrewsbury Town last season, with 63 appearances in all competitions and appears to be crucial in the U`s promotion ambitions.
On his injury, the left-back has said in the EADT: “I could try and put it off, but the worse-case scenario is 10-14 days out, so if I get it done now, I still have the final stretch of games to aim for.”
It`s likely that he will also miss the game against old rivals Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday, but should be back in for the crunch games against the likes of Swindon, Millwall and Charlton, all pushing for the upper-reaches of the table.
With no news reported on who will replace Tierney, it`s left to the guess work of fans, with John White being touted to fill in the left back position and Phil Ifil to slot in on the right. However, young Thomas Bender is also in the running to get his first professional start.
So what do you think?
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This is bad news… but like he said, there are very important games coming uo for Colchester soon so perhaps he’s better of missing these games than later ones. Chance for Ifil at right back is a good shout!
Givw Bender a start, something new and a bit different
Quite possibly, OJJ! Bit raw for a game where three points are really needed though!
Bender is a possibility but think that White will get moved across to LB and then Ifil will slot in at RB. Up the U’s!