Orient skipper Stephen Dawson could be sidelined for six weeks after picking up an ankle ligament injury in the 4-1 loss at Carlisle United on Saturday.

Looking to launch an O’s counter attack in the first half, Dawson fell awkwardly under the challenge of United’s Jon-Paul McGovern and needed treatment before continuing.

The Irishman was unable to run off the knock though and limped off shortly after to be replaced by Jimmy Smith.

Dawson will have a scan on Monday to determine the extent of the damage.

Speaking after the game, manager Russell Slade knew he would be without his captain for a period of time but was unaware of the exact timeframe.

Slade said: “He is out for a good period of time. It is his ankle. All I can tell you is that it has blown up massively and he is going to be out for some time.”