SOUTHEND United midfielder Mark Milligan is facing a spell on the sidelines with a fractured cheekbone.

Milligan suffered the injury towards the end of Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Oxford United.

And Blues boss Sol Campbell now expects to be without the Australian for at least the next two matches. 

"Milligan has a slight fracture on his cheek and I think they’re going to have to operate on it," said Campbell.

"It’s not big but there’s something there.

"We will probably have to wait two weeks and then he can play with a mask if he’s up for it.

"He won’t be featuring in the next couple of games and it’s sad because he’s been playing really well.

"He’s improved in the last couple of months and has been doing really well."