Southend United midfielder Marc Laird has been ruled out of action for the next six to eight weeks after damaging medial ligaments.
The 27-year-old, who is not expected to return until October, suffered the injury in the 2-0 win over Northampton Town at the weekend.
Shrimpers boss Phil Brown told the club's official website: "It's really disappointing because Marc has made an excellent start to the season and done really well.
"It's also a worry as it means, with Julian Bennett out, our squad is going to be tested even further over the next few weeks. It may give some of the younger players the opportunity to impress."
Southend have won each of their three league fixtures this season.
