SOUTHEND United winger Sam Barratt has undergone surgery on a knee injury.
Barratt is unlikely to play again this season after suffering the setback in an under 23 clash at Stevenage earlier this month.
And Blues boss Chris Powell has confirmed Barratt - who joined Blues from Maidenhead United in the summer - had now had an operation.
"Sam has had a major operation," said Powell.
"I feel really down when I talk about him because I was so excited for him and he was so willing to learn.
"Now he has a long road ahead of him but with our help we’ll get him there."
However, Barratt is not the only Shrimpers player currently out of action as Luke Hyam and Timothee Dieng were also forced to miss Saturday's 1-0 win at Bristol Rovers.
"Luke has hurt his ankle." said Powell.
"He took a bit of a whack at Luton.
"He carried on but come Wednesday morning it was a like a balloon.
"With Tim's calf we thought he might have a chance but he didn't make it and I would rather pick someone who is fully fit."
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