Defender has operation on ankle.
Colchester United will be without left back Lewis Kinsella for around three months, after he had an operation earlier this week.
Lewis was substituted at half time in the draw against Newport after sustaining an ankle injury and, following scans, he will now be sidelined into the new year.
Speaking to the press on Thursday, John said: "He'll be out for that period of time after the operation this week.
"It's a tough blow for him and a bitter pill to swallow for us, as he'd been doing well and gave us some real balance down that left hand side."
Lewis has played 14 times for the U's so far - 12 in the league - since signing for the club after his departure from Aston Villa at the end of last season.
Back The Boys - For A Whole Year!
to find out more.Click here If you want to get right behind the U's, you can buy an Annual Subscription at any time and come to every home game (first team and U23s) for a full year.