Colchester United front-runner Kurtis Guthrie has suffered a ‘setback’ in terms of returning to full fitness after long-term injury.

Guthrie made his long-awaited return to the U’s first-team squad for the 1-0 win away win at Yeovil two weeks ago, when he appeared as a late substitute.

He started against Gillingham in the Checkatrade Trophy, and was on the bench as an unused substitute for last weekend’s 2-0 home win over Mansfield.

But Guthrie did not feature for the U’s reserves this week, and is not expected to be in the squad this weekend.

Manager John McGreal, speaking at this lunchtime’s press conference ahead of Saturday’s home game against Carlisle, revealed: “Kurtis has suffered a setback.

“He was not involved on Tuesday night, and he is being assessed.”

McGreal was reluctant to talk the about the exact nature of this ‘setback,’ but it will be a blow for the player, who suffered a serious ankle injury at the end of February.