Cambridge United midfielder Paul Digby potentially out until new year with calf injury suffered against Chelsea Under-21s

Cambridge United have suffered an injury blow on the eve of tomorrow’s derby at Peterborough United with confirmation that Paul Digby will be sidelined for the next ‘six to 10 weeks’.

The midfielder picked up a calf problem after coming on as a second-half substitute during the 1-0 win against Chelsea Under-21s in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday night.

And a subsequent scan has revealed that Digby will not only miss the London Road clash, but he could also be out of action until the new year.

U’s head coach Garry Monk said: “Unfortunately Diggers had the scan and it’s not a good scan for us.

“He’s got a calf strain and we’re probably looking at anywhere between six to 10 weeks for Diggers, which is a huge blow.

“We’ve had it all season where it feels like we might get back to some sort of strength and put me into a position where I’ve got to make some real difficult decisions – which is what I want – but we get a blow like that.”

Another player that will not feature against Peterborough is striker Shayne Lavery.

The Northern Ireland international has returned to training after being out since mid-September with a hamstring injury, but this game has come too soon.

Monk added: “Shayne has trained well this week but following the protocols and everything that he needs, it would be wrong (to play him) even though the temptation is there.

“You’ve got to look at the big picture and with the way that the squad is now we can’t afford to lose any more (players). After this game he should be back involved in the squad.”

Emmanuel Longelo (quad) is also facing up the prospect of four weeks on the sidelines, but Jubril Okedina, Sullay Kaikai and Ryan Loft are all in contention to return to the squad.