Midfield dynamo Andy Bond is ready to return from injury and boost Colchester United over the festive period.

The free-scoring midfielder - nicknamed Forrest Gump because of his non-stop running - is currently sidelined following a double hernia operation.

However, Bond is making rapid progress after going under the knife last Tuesday.

The 24-year-old is taking part in running exercises again, just days after undergoing surgery.

And although he is expected to miss the U’s home match with struggling Yeovil Town on Saturday, he is optimistic of returning for their trip to play Bristol Rovers, the following week.

Bond told the Gazette: “I targeted two weeks to be back playing again and that would be next Tuesday.

“From a personal point of view, I’ve been lucky with the Brighton game being postponed last weekend.

“It means one less game that I miss and if I’m not available for the Yeovil game, I hope that’s the only one I miss.

“Touch wood, this is one of the worst injuries I’ll have during my career.”

For more on this story and all of the latest Colchester United news, see Wednesday's Gazette.