TOM Lapslie is refusing to put a timescale on when he will return from an ankle injury that has left him sidelined.

But the combative midfielder is hopeful he will be back “sooner rather than later” to boost Colchester United’s League Two challenge.

Lapslie has been in the treatment room after suffering the injury during the U’s 3-2 home win over Blackpool, earlier this month.

It caused the 20-year-old to sit out Colchester’s 1-1 draw at Barnet last weekend and he admits he is unsure on a definite return date.

Lapslie told the Daily Gazette: “It’s a case of wait and see.

“I have a rough idea of what I’m aiming for, in terms of coming back but we’ll soon have a more accurate diagnosis.

“We’re hoping that it won’t be long but we’re not putting a timescale on it, because it might not work out like that.

“We’re waiting for it to settle down and hopefully, it shouldn’t be too long.

“There’s no need for any protection on it and I’m walking around and trying to keep myself fit by going to the gym.

“It’s unfortunate for me that it’s come at a time when I’m in the team and starting but it happens in football.

“It’s about the team, not just the XI who play at the weekend.

“I just have to get fit again and try and get back into the side.”

Lapslie suffered the injury with 16 minutes remaining of Colchester’s game against Blackpool.

“It was a painful one,” said Lapslie, who had started all seven of Colchester’s league games this season, prior to suffering the injury.

“As I cleared the ball, my foot got trapped under my body and twisted and because of that, it ballooned up a bit.

“No-one touched me and it wasn’t a tackle – it’s just one of those things that happens in football sometimes.

“I knew I was in a bit of trouble when it happened.

“Mr Flynn asked me how it was and nine times out of ten, I’d say I’m OK and carry on but I said “if I’m honest, I don’t think I can carry on”.”

Lapslie looks set to miss Colchester’s home game against Accrington Stanley this weekend.

But the former U’s youth-team player says it is a game they should relish.

He added: “Accrington Stanley will be up there challenging at the end of the season and these are the kind of teams we want to pitch ourselves against.

“They’re doing well this season and had a good win over Portsmouth last weekend but these are the games you look forward to.”