Rhys Healey is facing up to six weeks on the sidelines after suffering a burst appendix.

The Colchester United striker, who is on loan from Championship side Cardiff City, missed the U’s win over Leyton Orient after undergoing an emergency operation last week.

Colchester boss Tony Humes said: “Rhys went back to Cardiff to get some dental work done and while he was down there, he unfortunately had to have an emergency operation for a burst appendix.

“He’ll be out for four to six weeks.

“We have Macauley Bonne and Jack Marriott and the likes of Sanchez Watt and Gavin Massey can play up front, so there are enough players in there to ensure we’ve got that strength in the squad.”

Healey has made 15 appearances for Colchester since joining them on loan from Cardiff last September, scoring four times.

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