Knee injury rules out winger; boss urges him to come back stronger.
Colchester United winger Drey Wright has been ruled out for the season with a cruciate ligament injury sustained against Sheffield Wednesday in the U21s.It had initially been hoped that the injury wasn't too serious, but further investigation has revealed more serious damage to Drey's knee and he now faces an extended spell on the sidelines.
However, boss Tony Humes believes that Drey will be strong enough to come back even better next season.
"Drey is still a young man and one that has a really big future in the game. He has to be patient and get through this, but I am certain he will come back stronger and have a long and successful career afterwards."
"He has now got to get his head around it and start the work to get himself ready for next season.
"I am incredibly disappointed for Drey, as he has worked very hard to get back in contention for the first team this season and he was a big part of our plans," he said. He confirmed that he will be looking into the loan market, whilst also urging Dion Sembie-Ferris to take a step forward.
As Drey begins his journey to full fitness, Tony admits he will have to weigh up his options to replace the electric pace and wing play that his young winger brought to the team.
"He can apply himself to make sure he’s ready to go when he gets back and each step on his rehab will be a positive one. It will strengthen his character and resolve and we will support him all we can along the way."
"He has that experience of what it's like to be out of the team," the U's boss added.
It is a blow for the promising wide man who spent spells last season fighting off smaller injury problems. Tony believes that will serve him well on his long road to recovery.
"We will be looking to see how Dion will progress over this season, and he will have an opportunity once he’s back fit in a couple of weeks.
Everyone at the club wishes Drey well on his road to recovery and we will keep fans up to date with his progress in the coming months.
"We will also now have to look at an alternative option coming in and give us that support in wide areas."
"We will also now have to look at an alternative option coming in and give us that support in wide areas."