Ryan Inniss is set to be sidelined for around a fortnight with the shoulder injury that forced him out of Colchester United's 3-1 win over Exeter City.

But the Crystal Palace loanee's injury is not the same one that he suffered while on loan at the U's Essex rivals Southend United last season, which sidelined him for several months.

Inniss will miss Colchester's game with Swindon Town on Friday night and the 22-year-old is likely to also sit out their home game with Port Vale, on Saturday week.

But U's head coach John McGreal is hoping there is a chance he will return, over the busy festive programme.

McGreal said: "Ryan has been a big and important player for us over the last 12 or 13 games.

"It looks like he'll be out for a few weeks so it's one that we have to adapt to and do it quickly, to carry us forward.

"It's nothing to do with his old injury - it's something different.

"Fingers crossed he'll be back for the New Year - possibly before that.

"He's a determined young man and we know what kind of character he is.

"But it's one where it will be a continual assessment."

Inniss has been in excellent form for Colchester since arriving on loan from Palace in August.

His performances have helped the U's move to the verge of the League Two play-off places and boss McGreal admits they will have to make decisions on how to cope with his absence, at Swindon.

McGreal said: "We'll have to make a change come Friday and we're just toying with which way to go.

"We've got options and bodies in and around those positions and the different types of personnel to change it.

"We're looking at everything - the personnel that we have, the boys who are up to match speed and formation.

"There's a lot of food for thought."