Midfielder faces long spell out

Leyton Orient have been rocked by the news that influential midfielder Dean Cox faces six months out with knee ligament damage.

Scans confirmed Cox, 28, had suffered cruciate ligament damage to his right knee during training on Tuesday and head coach Ian Hendon admitted it is a huge setback.

He said: “We are all gutted for Dean. He is going to be a massive loss for us as he has been back to his best in recent games.

“We wish Dean all the best in his recovery and know he will come back fitter and stronger.”

Cox had netted five goals so far this season, including a brace in their 6-1 FA Cup win over non-league Staines Town last weekend, and assisted on seven other goals.

He tweeted: “Devastated is an understatement still can’t believe it hoping the lads continue on and can get promotion which this club deserves.

“Time to get my head right and kick on and get back as quick as I possibly can #LOFC.”

Orient are due to visit Hartlepool for a 12.15pm kick-off in League Two tomorrow (Sunday), with the match to be televised live on Sky Sports.