Steve Ball has described Colchester United’s mounting injury list as “freakish”.

The U’s have more than a dozen players on the sidelines, including the likes of defensive linchpin Tom Eastman and striker Denny Johnstone.

Kurtis Guthrie and Craig Slater are also struggling ahead of tomorrow’s crucial League Two trip to East Anglian rivals Cambridge United.

But while bitterly disappointed to have so much talent on the sidelines, assistant manager Ball remains confident that the problem will not derail the club’s promotion bid.

“I never saw anything like it as a player or as a coach,” said the former Cambridge player.

“It has been freakish in many ways but credit to the players as they have stuck with it and kept winning games.

“Does it worry me what’s going on?

“Yes it does because we are short.

“Most of them are impact injuries that we can do nothing about.

“We’ve looked at training methods, fitness routines and diets, but it’s not that; it’s just a freakish situation.

“My concern is the fact that we have these injuries, but do I think we can still achieve what we want this year?

“Yes I do and we’ll certainly give it a good go.

“Luckily we are a club who promote youth and we can turn to these young players.

“Hopefully that will stand us in good stead.”

The injury situation has at least paved the way for others to step into the side and prove their worth.

Defender Cameron James is one example, having produced accomplished performances in the last three games.

“Cameron has come in and done fantastic,” said Ball.

“We knew what he was all about as we’ve seen him for many years and there’s no surprise what he’s done in the last few games.

“There will come dips from all the young players when the reality of league football at that age kicks in a bit, but we have full faith in Cameron.

“We know we are asking a lot but we have total faith in all these lads.

“It can only do good in the long term, but it is a challenge for them.”

Macauley Bonne returns to the Colchester squad, having just returned from a loan spell at National League side Woking.

His last game for the Cards was a 1-0 victory against Dover Athletic on Tuesday night.

“It’s great news to have Macca back,” said Ball.

“He went out on loan to get his match fitness up but he’s come back in and been training with us.

“He is back in the fold and is another body for us.

“We have Sammie Szmodics as well. That’s positive.

“It may be a bit too soon for Sammie and in a perfect world he may need more time and training and minutes in the under-23s, but where we are right now, we may have to throw him in a bit sooner. He’s very keen as we all know.”