Brazilian star Jose Antunes Fumaca could be in line for a shock return to Colchester United.

The 22-year-old former Benfica forward was being touted as the mystery player lined up by U's boss Mick Wadsworth on Monday if his injured strike force of Lomana Tresor Lua Lua and Jamie Moralee are both ruled out of Saturday's opening Division Two clash at Chesterfield.

Wadsworth was keeping his cards close to his chest about any possible replacements and would only say: "I know who I want. I have a player in mind and he will really excite the Colchester fans."

The U's boss has made no secret of his admiration for the talented Fumaca who he originally signed just before transfer deadline day last season only to release the player to First Division Barnsley three days later.

Wadsworth said when first signing Fumaca on a free transfer from Grimsby in March: "He will set the place alight.

"Fumaca is an excellent player, one not to be missed - it's as if he's from another planet."

Fumaca was the first ever Brazilian to play for Colchester.

He played just 60 minutes of one reserve team outing - against Crystal Palace - and 14 minutes of League football for the U's at Layer Road against Manchester City before he was stretchered off after a sickening clash of heads.

Meanwhile Lua Lua and Moralee are racing against time to be fit for the opening day trip to Chesterfield. Lua Lua has damaged knee ligaments while Moralee has an injured ankle.

Brazilian star Jose Antunes Fumaca - Colchester bound?

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