SOUTHEND United midfielder Ryan Leonard is facing at least 10 weeks on the sidelines with the knee injury he sustained during Saturday’s 3-0 win against Colchester.

Leonard picked up the problem following a terrible tackle from the U’s Alex Gilbey which resulted in the midfielder being sent off.

And the 23-year-old will now not be back in action until mid-April after scans revealed medial ligament damage, much to the disappointment of Blues boss Phil Brown.

“It’s not good news where Lenny is concerned I’m afraid and he’s going to be out of action for two to three months,” said the Shrimpers manager.

“The original diagnosis is 10 weeks after the scans showed there was medial ligament damage and it’s very disappointing because Lenny is a very important player for us.

“I think he’s played more matches than any other outfield player in our squad this season and he does a great job in there.

“But the only saving grace is that Ryan had his leg planted at the moment of impact because otherwise he would have been out for at last six months.”

Leonard will now begin his rehabilitation work with Shrimpers physiotherapist Ben Clarkson.

But there remains incredible competition to replace him in the centre of the park.

“The chairman has afforded me a big squad and luckily enough we do have plenty of options in the midfield,” said Brown.

“Anthony Wordsworth showed the quality he has on his return from the injury against Colchester at the weekend and Michael Timlin is back from suspension now too.

“We have plenty of people who can come in but it’s obviously a blow to be without Lenny.”

Blues also have on loan Arsenal midfielder Glen Kamara available for selection in the centre of the park along with Gary Deegan who was on the bench against the U’s at the weekend.