Beevers joined the U's from Lincoln in June last year

Colchester United defender Lee Beevers has been ruled out for up to four weeks after injuring his hand in a pram.

The 26-year-old suffered a dislocated metacarpal after tripping down stairs while carrying his child's pushchair.

Boss John Ward told BBC Essex: "He had a minor operation Thursday morning to stabilise the hand.

"He could be out for three or four weeks because of the plaster they have put on it. It's a pity as Lee was in good form and fitness."

Beevers, who has found himself playing in a holding-midfield role under new boss Ward, missed most of August due to injury and has just started to make an impact from the bench.

"He tripped on the stairs carrying a pram, if you want the story," Ward added.

He'll still be able to train but we're more concerned about him catching somebody else with it than if he has a problem himself Colchester boss John Ward

"He bent his hand underneath. He's been training OK, he's been more of a danger to other people because he has a plaster on it.

"He'll still be able to train but we're more concerned about him catching somebody else with it than if he has a problem himself."

Meanwhile young striker Michael Rafter has been released by mutual consent.

The 18-year-old Irishman failed to make a first-team start at the U's and is likely to return to his home country.

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