COLE Skuse is edging closer to handing Colchester United a welcome boost for their season run-in and returning to training.

The experienced midfielder has missed the last six weeks after suffering a knee injury in the U’s 1-0 victory at Grimsby Town, on February 11.

Skuse, who turns 37 on Wednesday, underwent surgery to remove a section of his meniscus in his right knee but is now running again.

And the former Bristol City favourite, who has made 22 league starts for the U’s this season, is expected to soon return to training and provide a lift, ahead of some crucial games in League Two.

Gazette:

Colchester boss Ben Garner said: “Cole is progressing well.

“We’re looking forward to getting Cole back in.

“He’s obviously very experienced and has been a really good player for a number of years.

“He’s still been really good around the place, having an influence off the pitch and it’ll be great to get him back in training and involved.”


READ MORE: Noah Chilvers reveals what Joe Murphy said to him after Tranmere draw


Skuse’s imminent return could prove timely, given the fact fellow midfielder Ossama Ashley was forced off with injury in Colchester’s 1-1 draw with Tranmere Rovers, last Saturday.

The former West Ham United youngster felt some soreness in his hip, leading to his withdrawal after half an hour of the game at the JobServe Community Stadium.

Gazette:

Ashley was replaced by Arthur Read, who himself was returning from some time on the sidelines after recovering from a shin problem.

Read, 23, missed two games due to the ailment but performed well on his comeback and boss Garner was pleased with the impact the former Stevenage midfielder made.

Garner said: “He did really well, considering he’s been on a couple of weeks and probably went on a bit earlier than we’d expected him to.

Gazette:

“I thought he gave us a little bit more control with the ball and used his quality.”