ANTHONY Scully was missing from Colchester United’s squad for their game against Cheltenham Town, on Saturday.

And U’s boss Danny Cowley has revealed that the on-loan Portsmouth forward has been struggling with a knee problem for nearly three weeks.

Scully first suffered the issue in Colchester’s 1-1 draw at Port Vale, on October 1.

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And although the former West Ham United youngster has tried to shrug off the ailment, it has taken its toll.

Cowley said: “Anthony felt his knee in the Port Vale game.

“He’s tried to get on with it but it’s been inhibiting him and he’s been struggling with it.

“He hasn’t felt right.

(Image: Richard Blaxall)

“He had an injection in it on Tuesday and he trained Thursday but he wasn’t happy with it, so we’re going to have to go away and look at that.”

Colchester were left short of forward options at the weekend, particularly after Samson Tovide was forced out of their defeat to Cheltenham Town after 35 minutes.

The 20-year-old experienced a bruising first half after receiving some close attention from the Robins’ defenders, eventually culminating in him being replaced by Tom Hopper.

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“Samson has got about three injuries – it’s his hip, it’s his groin and it’s his ankle, I believe,” said Cowley.

“Samson didn’t get much protection out there from the referee, so you can see where it comes from.”

Tovide is unlikely to be available for Colchester’s trip to play Chesterfield, tomorrow night.

And with Scully also a big doubt and Owura Edwards still sidelined with a hamstring injury, the U’s are light on attacking options as they aim to bounce back from their disappointing Cheltenham defeat.

(Image: STEVE BRADING)

Cowley said: “We’re going to have to count up the numbers, particularly in the attacking positions and see what players we have available, in those areas.

“It was hard in the second half (against Cheltenham).

“We tried to change it – the same system with different personnel can look very different.

“In the end, we tried to get two of the wingers and narrow them up and get them a bit closer to Lyle and get Tom Hopper coming from deeper.

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“We were doing our best to try to impact it but sometimes, it’s easier than others and it felt tough to influence that.”

Colchester have recalled young attacker Oscar Thorn from his loan spell at National League South side Chelmsford City, as a result of the injuries.

Cowley added: “He’s young but he’s a good kid and he’s done really well at Chelmsford and he’s trained well, so hopefully he’ll be available for Tuesday.”