Colchester United vs Crewe Alexandra - Colchester captain Luke Prosser out for the season after knee surgery

Posted Friday, November 25, 2016 by PA

Colchester captain Luke Prosser has been ruled out for the rest of the season following surgery on a knee problem.

Centre-half George Elokobi could continue in defence after being recalled from his loan spell at Braintree Town to play in the 3-0 victory at Cheltenham on Tuesday night which ended the U's 10-man winless run in Sky Bet League Two.

Midfielder Owen Garvan made his first appearance of the season following an injury-hit campaign and may feature again, while forward Chris Porter (hamstring), defender Lloyd Doyley (groin) and midfielder Sammie Szmodics (foot) will be assessed.

Defender Matt Briggs (hip) and midfielder Doug Loft (Achilles) are closing in on a return, but left-back Lewis Kinsella is expected to be out until the new year following ankle surgery.

Crewe boss Steve Davis is hoping Chris Dagnall suffered no ill effects on his return from a calf strain in midweek.

Dagnall played 78 minutes of the home victory over Morecambe and Davis plans to pair him up front once more with skipper Ryan Lowe.

On-loan winger Alex Kiwomya featured for 74 minutes on Tuesday night after missing the previous match through illness and he is expected to retain his place in the starting line up.

Zoumana Bakayogo (hamstring), Billy Bingham (calf) and George Ray (groin) are all still sidelined.