FRANK Nouble has been added to Colchester United’s injury list after being sidelined with a knee injury.

The experienced forward missed the U’s 2-1 win at Swindon Town in the Papa John’s Trophy and has undergone a scan on the injury.

Colchester will now further assess Nouble’s injury, which the former West Ham United youngster has been ‘carrying for a while’ according to head coach Hayden Mullins.

Mullins said: “Frank has had a scan on his knee and something showed up on that so we’ll have to wait and see what happens with him.

“I think it’s been one that he’s been carrying for a while.”

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Colchester were also without long-serving defender Tom Eastman (pictured above) at Swindon after he tested positive for Covid-19.

The 30-year-old is also set to have to sit out the U’s next two fixtures - against Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup on Sunday and the league trip to Valley Parade to take on Bradford City, next Wednesday - after it was confirmed he had contracted coronavirus.

Mullins said: “Tom Eastman we lost (on Monday) after he tested positive with Covid, so we’ve lost to big man for ten days now.

“Easty felt a bit down so he took a test and we lost him.

“I think at the moment, he’s just suffering from aches and a few pains but I think he’s fine.”

Mullins also confirmed that former Premier League left-back Charlie Daniels was left out of Colchester’s starting line-up at Swindon for injury reasons.

The former Bournemouth defender was an unused substitute, in his side’s Papa John’s Trophy second-round triumph.

Mullins said: “Charlie Daniels felt a bit of a strain, a tweak so we had to leave him out.”

Colchester were already without Brendan Wiredu, Ryan Clampin, Gene Kennedy (all knee) and Shamal George (ribs) for the Swindon game.

Meanwhile, Mullins said he is delighted with the form of goalkeeper Jake Turner, who started his third successive game for Colchester at Swindon.

The on-loan Newcastle United shot-stopper was in good form again and is made a positive impact since coming into the side for the injured George.

Mullins added: “Jake is a really young goalkeeper.

“Him, Shamal (George) and Dean (Gerken) have got a real battle amongst themselves because they’re top talent.

“We’re pleased to have him and I think every game he’s played for us, he’s done really well.”