HARRY Pell has received some positive news on the injury front as he nears a long-awaited comeback for Colchester United.

The popular midfielder has not featured for the U's since their opening-day draw with Port Vale, due to an Achilles injury.

Pell has spent the last two months on the comeback trail after being told in August that he would be sidelined for around six weeks.

But the 27-year-old, who also missed the final three months of last season due to a hamstring injury, had his protective boot removed last week.

And he has now received the green light to increase his workload, as he edges closer to a return to the U's side.

Colchester head coach John McGreal said: “Harry went to see the specialist on Monday and got good news.

“He’s been outside working to a good level with the sport science.

“He hasn’t been able to join in but we knew that he would be in and around that time anyway.

“He came out of the boot last week and he’s been given the all clear to up his workload, which is a real positive as well."

Meanwhile, winger Callum Harriott saw a doctor today as he battles to overcome a quad injury.

The former Reading youngster has not played for the U's since returning to the club on a permanent basis on a two-year deal, last month.

McGreal added: “Callum still has this niggle at the moment in his quad.

“He’s seen a doctor today and he’s been outside with the sport science.

“It’ll be a case of what else he can do when he wakes up tomorrow."