COLCHESTER United have received a fitness boost after midfielder Arthur Read was passed fit to play in their home clash with Mansfield Town this weekend.

The 23-year-old had to be substituted in the 72nd minute of the U’s 2-0 victory over Tranmere Rovers at the JobServe Community Stadium last weekend, after taking a blow to his left wrist in a challenge.

But Read, who has been in fine form for Colchester so far this season, has not sustained a fracture and has trained throughout this week.

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Colchester boss Ben Garner said: "We've had really good news on that.

"We were obviously worried at the weekend but there was no fracture - it was just tendon damage.

Gazette:

"He's been able to train fully all week and will be available, for Saturday.

"It's fantastic news for us.

"He hasn't worn too much strapping in training this week and he's certainly fine to play - there's no issues with that."

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Meanwhile, striker Tom Hopper has an 'outside chance' of featuring for Colchester against Mansfield, having missed their last four games due to injury.

The former Lincoln City and Southend United forward received an injection last week and has been involved in training, over recent days.

Gazette:

"Tom's getting closer," said Garner.

"He's trained on and off this week and we've dipped him back into parts of sessions.

"He's been off his feet today (Thursday) to let it settle again and he'll come back into the group tomorrow.

"I would say outside chance for Saturday and I would definitely see him being involved on Tuesday night (against Spurs under-21s in the Football League Trophy), if not."

Fiacre Kelleher, Ellis Iandolo, Tom Dallison and Nico Lawrence remain sidelined for Colchester due to injury.