Josh Thompson will be out for a further three months with an ankle injury.

It was hoped that centre-half Thompson would gradually recover fully from his ankle problem, which has kept him on the sidelines for most of this season.

But Colchester United boss Joe Dunne, speaking during this morning’s press conference, revealed that Thompson would require an operation to return to fitness.

“Josh needs an ankle operation, and that will keep him out for three months,” revealed Dunne.

“He had been making some progress in rehab, and had reached a certain point in his recovery, but the ankle is still very sore.

“Josh underwent further investigation of his ankle yesterday and, on seeing the speciliast, it was agreed that he would need an operation,” added Dunne.

The U’s are away at Brentford this Saturday.