Colchester United head coach John McGreal provides injury update

COLCHESTER United midfielder Brandon Comley is likely to be sidelined for a least another fortnight after suffering a knee injury.

The former Queens Park Rangers youngster picked up the injury in training last week and did not travel with the rest of the U's squad to Macclesfield Town, last weekend.

Comley took part in running exercises in training today, at the U's Florence Park complex.

However, the 23-year-old may need some more strength work in order to get back to full speed.

It is hard luck on Comley, who would have been in the running to start Colchester's vital clash with Carlisle United this weekend had he been fit.

Harry Pell is currently sidelined while fellow midfielder Tom Lapslie is aiming to shrug off a hamstring injury that forced him out of the U's 1-1 draw at Macclesfield, last weekend.

Colchester boss John McGreal said: “Brandon is still not available at the minute – he’s still around a week away at least.

“We’ll know a little bit more at the beginning of next week on the injuries.

“He’s going to be a couple of weeks – he tried to run today but felt a little bit sore.

"We’re looking to get a bit more strength work into it and start again in the early part of next week.

“It’s tough luck on him but it just happens like that in football.

“He’s been waiting for his opportunity patiently and training really well but gets a little tweak on his knee.

“He’s very professional getting all of his work done and wants to be back as quickly as possible.

“The injuries have come at the wrong time for us but injuries never come at a right time!

“But it gives other boys opportunities and the likes of Diaz Wright and Louis Dunne that experience.

“When the door closes for one, it opens for another.”

Comley has found league starts hard to come by for Colchester, this season.

His last appearance in the U's starting line-up came in their 0-0 home draw with Morecambe, on December 29.