Colchester United are hopeful that leading goalscorer Jabo Ibehre will be fit enough to return for their vital clash with Crawley Town on Saturday.

The powerful striker has been forced to sit out the U's last three games in League One with hip and pelvic problems.

Ibehre's absence has prompted U's boss Joe Dunne to hunt for a replacement striker on loan.

However, Dunne's search has so far failed to secure any new signings.

And Colchester are hoping that Ibehre's possible return will give them a timely boost, ahead of their game at the Broadfield Stadium.

For all of the latest Colchester United news, see the Daily Gazette.