Colchester United’s young attacking midfielder, Sammie Szmodics, could undergo an operation to resolve a long-term foot injury

Szmodics has not played yet in 2016. In fact, his last appearance was as a second-half substitute during the 3-2 win over non-league Altrincham in the FA Cup on December 6.

The U’s Academy product had his foot in a protective boot, for several weeks, and has recently returned to training.

But the 20-year-old might now need surgery, to solve the problem, which would effectively bring a premature end to his season.

Manager Kevin Keen revealed: “Sammie trained for six or seven days with the under-21s, and has recently had a couple of sessions with the first team,

“But I’m not sure he feels quite right, so we will assess it in the next couple of days.

“He might need an operation.”

The U’s are away at Port Vale tomorrow.