Colchester United are waiting to discover the extent of a potentially serious injury to Micah Mbick after the striker was stretchered off during their 2-1 victory at Newport County.
The 19-year-old forward, on loan from Charlton Athletic, had only returned to action days earlier following a previous injury setback. His afternoon at Rodney Parade lasted just 35 minutes before a heavy challenge left him requiring lengthy treatment and eventually being carried from the pitch.
Mbick has been one of Colchester’s standout performers this season, scoring nine goals in 26 appearances. His absence would represent a significant blow to a side still harbouring hopes of breaking into the League Two play-off places.
Cowley furious after challenge leaves striker injured
Colchester head coach Danny Cowley did not hide his frustration after the incident, criticising match officials for failing to award even a foul following the tackle by Newport defender Cameron Evans.
“It looks a really bad one, unfortunately. It was a horrendous tackle and I’m sick and tired of officials – he didn’t even give a foul.”
“The fourth official was right there, he saw it all, and it was so clear it was excessive force, it was completely out of control.”
According to Cowley, the nature of the challenge made the decision not to stop play particularly difficult to understand. He argued the tackle involved far more than a simple collision.
“The first foot, ok a block tackle, but the second foot has taken him knee high.”
“It was a horrible tackle and I don’t understand the officials, their first job is player safety.”
The severity of the injury remains unknown, but the immediate concern was evident as medical staff treated the teenager on the pitch before he was stretchered off and taken for further assessment.
After the match, several Colchester players made a point of visiting Mbick before he was transported to hospital. Cowley revealed the squad had rallied around their injured team-mate, emphasising how highly he is regarded within the dressing room.
Players respond after Mbick setback
Cowley believes the depth of his side ultimately helped them navigate the situation, even if Mbick’s absence was felt.
“We’re lucky because we lost a brilliant player but were able to bring a brilliant player onto the pitch in Jack.”
The concern surrounding Mbick is part of a wider injury picture currently affecting the club. Defender Harvey Araujo is set to undergo surgery after suffering a fractured cheekbone in the previous match, while goalkeeper Matt Macey has also been dealing with a painful back problem.
For now, Colchester’s immediate focus is on the condition of Mbick. The young forward has emerged as one of the team’s most influential attacking players this season, and the club will hope the damage proves less severe than first feared.
Until medical staff complete their assessments, uncertainty remains. But if the injury does result in a prolonged absence, it would represent a major setback not only for the player but also for a Colchester side still chasing a late push towards the League Two play-offs.