Craig Slater is the latest Colchester United player to suffer an injury setback.

The U’s were dogged by injuries last season, and the early indications are that 2017-18 will be another testing time for the Essex club, in terms of absentees.

Already without long-term casualties Brennan Dickenson, Kurtis Guthrie and Luke Prosser, none of whom are set to re-appear any time soon, the U’s lost Ryan Jackson, Kyel Reid and Slater in the week leading up to yesterday’s 3-0 defeat at Luton Town.

Reid injured his ankle during the 1-1 draw against Stevenage the previous weekend, and failed to recover in time.

Jackson was another non-starter, and his replacement, Kane Vincent-Young, was also a doubt before coming through a fitness test to fill the right wing-back role.

- Doug Loft gives his views after defeat at Luton

But an even bigger loss to the 18-man squad was midfielder Slater, who missed the back-end of last season with a double hernia and related groin problems.

Slater had not been at his best at the start of this season, mostly being employed as a substitute, and the Scotsman now looks set for another spell on the sidelines.

“Craig (Slater) now needs a scan on his hip,” revealed U’s boss John McGreal.

“It is disappointing because we thought that he was back fit again, and was ready and able.

“You’re thinking that boys are going to be fit to play, and then they fail fitness tests.”