SOUTHEND United left-back Ben Coker has suffered a suspected broken leg.
The 28-year-old was stretchered off during this afternoon's 6-3 win at Colchester United.
And Blues boss Phil Brown was unable to hide his disappointment.
“It’s a suspected broken leg and it’s obviously not good news,” said Brown.
“We’re waiting for further details but it happened right in front of me and I heard a snap.
“I was hoping it was his shin-pad but then I saw Ben was in agony and he had to be stretchered off, which was awful to see.
“This has taken the shine off everything else at the moment."
Coker’s injury means summer signing Stephen Hendrie will be in line to start against Blackburn Rovers on the opening day of the season this weekend.
Hendrie spent last season on loan at Ewood Park but made just four appearances in the league.
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