Luke Prosser has suffered another knock-back, in his quest to return to the Colchester United first team.

Centre-half Prosser, who was appointed U’s club captain following his move from Southend last summer, played just 17 games last season before sustaining a serious knee injury.

The 29-year-old underwent an operation last November, and was hoping to be back in the first-team fold for pre-season.

However, it has not worked out that way, and instead Prosser has had to undergo another operation after seeing a specialist.

“Luke has had an operation,” confirmed McGreal. “He had that done quickly, so you’re looking at upwards of two months.”

- Video of John McGreal talking about new recruit Mikael Mandron

Prosser watched from the stands as his U’s team-mates secured a 3-0 win at Braintree Town on Saturday, to make it five wins out of five from this summer’s pre-season friendlies. Sammie Szmodics netted a brace and Louis Dunne added a late third.