Yeates Out For Rest Of Season?

Geraint Williams has been dealt a major blow, as he tries to steer Colchester United to Championship safety, with the news that U`s winger Mark Yeates could be out injured for the rest of the season.

Yeates, who has scored eight goals this season, suffered a dislocated shoulder in Colchester`s 2-2 draw against Sheffield United at the beginning of February. At first it was thought the ex-Spurs man may be out for 2-3 weeks, but now it appears the tricky winger may need an operation on the ailment.

Williams told The Colchester Gazette: ‘He is being assessed but we think he will need an operation because Mark said himself it is not quite right.’

‘He felt he might be letting the lads down if he played and he was not quite right.

‘It is edging towards needing the operation.’ He explained.

If Yeates is ruled out for the rest of the campaign, Williams admitted he may be forced into making an emergency loan signing to replace the Irish B international.

Williams said: ‘We’ll be talking on the phone and enquiring who is available because Mark has been very important for us this year.’

‘Going forward, he’s a big part of our attacking armoury and with his set piece deliveries.’