Colchester United defender Josh Thompson is facing a race against time to be fit for the new season.

The 22-year-old centre-back has suffered a knee injury in training which requires a scan and will not feature in the U's pre-season friendly at Ryman League division north side Heybridge Swifts tomorrow night.

He is now battling to be fit for Colchester's League One curtain-raiser at newly-promoted Gillingham, on August 3.

U's boss Joe Dunne said: “Josh jarred his knee training and he’s not recovered from it.

“It’s going to need a scan but he’s progressing well.

“I’ve been there and I know what it’s like.

“I remember breaking my ankle in a friendly against Cornard.

“It’s a nightmare for a player to miss pre-season, because it’s so hard to catch up.

“But he’s in the right place and he’ll be looked after.”

Thompson's injury could prompt Dunne to offer a contract to former Charlton centre-back Yado Mambo, who is currently on trial with the U's.

For all of the latest U's news, see the Daily Gazette.