Colchester United have been dealt yet another defensive injury blow with the news that centre-back Tom Eastman is likely to miss the rest of the season after rupturing ankle ligaments.

The 25-year-old, who is the longest-serving player in the U’s squad, suffered the injury in their 1-1 draw with Blackpool nine days ago.

And following a scan, Eastman is now preparing to undergo surgery on the injury which is set to sideline him for the remainder of the campaign.

It is a big blow for Colchester and Eastman, who has been in excellent form for them over recent months and played his part in helping them rise to within touching distance of the League Two play-off positions.

It is the latest injury setback for the U’s, after Frankie Kent and Lloyd Doyley were both forced off in the opening stages of their 2-1 win over Barnet last weekend.

And with the likes of Luke Prosser and Lewis Kinsella also currently unavailable, Colchester’s defensive resources are being stretched to the full.

Colchester head coach John McGreal said: “We took Tom for a scan last Wednesday and tried to let the swelling go down but it’s not good news for him or ourselves.

“He’s ruptured the back ligaments of his ankle, so I think he’ll be looking to go in for an operation this week sometime.

“He’ll be more or less done for the season, unless he has a really quick recovery but it doesn’t look too hopeful to be honest.

“We’re talking three months, at least.”

Eastman, who has made more than 200 league appearances for Colchester since joining them from Ipswich Town in 2011, suffered the injury in stoppage-time at Blackpool and watched the U’s win over Barnet from the stands, last weekend.

“I think it happened in the 95th minute,” said McGreal.

“He’s gone up for a header, competed well but landed on it and it’s just unfortunate for Tom, because he’s been a big player for us this season.

“It’s uncanny – I’ve gone on record over the last few months about centre-backs at this football club getting injured.”

With Eastman out for several months and Kent and Doyley also facing a spell on the sidelines, Colchester will be hoping Jermaine Grandison recovers from a hip problem sooner rather than later to boost their options in central defence.

The former Shrewsbury Town centre-half is yet to feature for the U’s since joining them on a free transfer, last December.

McGreal added: “Jermaine Grandison’s not too far away so we just need to keep an eye on him.

“He’s doing different types of cardio work and he’s in the background.”

Colchester are next in action tomorrow night when they host Crawley Town, at the Community Stadium.