SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown fears Ryan Leonard could be facing a spell on the sidelines.

Leonard left Roots Hall on crutches after being chopped down by the challenge which saw U's midfielder Alex Gilbey sent off in the first half.

And Brown believes Leonard, who came off at half-time, could have suffered medial ligament damage.

"I'm not sure if it's medial ligament damage or what but Lenny could be out for a while unfortunately," said the Blues boss.

"It looked a naughty challenge from where I was but I don't want to make any snap judgements on the injury.

"We'll know more in the next couple of days but it does look like a nasty one."