SOUTHEND United winger Sam Barratt has suffered a ‘long-term’ knee injury.

Barratt joined Blues from National League side Maidenhead United in the summer and had been relishing his first taste of professional football at Roots Hall.

But the 22-year-old has been forced onto the sidelines with an injury sustained in the Shrimpers' under 23 side's clash against Stevenage last week.

And Blues boss Chris Powell does not expect Barratt to be back any time soon.

"Sam's got a knee injury which we feel will be long term and it’s a disappointment," said Powell.

"He’s had an early consultation but he will have another one next week when we will find out the seriousness of it.

"I’m no doctor or physio but Ben Clarkson heads it all up and he’s saying it looks long term which is a real, real shame."

Barratt - who came off the bench for his Shrimpers debut against Doncaster Rovers on the opening day of the season - is currently on crutches.