SOUTHEND United midfielder Lewis Gard is facing a year on the sidelines with a serious knee injury.

Gard was stretchered off against Colchester United in the Checkatrade Trophy last week.

And Blues boss Chris Powell has confirmed the 19-year-old has now been ruled out for the rest of the season.

“Lewis is out for the rest of the season but from his first consultation which was major he actually had some positive news in the second one,” said Powell.

“He won’t be out as long as they originally thought but you’re still looking at 12 months I would think.”

“But we know where he’s at now and we will give him all the support he needs to get back to fitness.”

Gard, 19, will have an operation on Monday after scans revealed he had torn two ligaments in his knee, including his cruciate.

Gard – who has made four substitute appearances for the Shrimpers’ first team – also damaged a third ligament in his knee.