COLCHESTER United could be boosted by the return of Owura Edwards for their clash with Gillingham tomorrow.

The skilful winger has been sidelined for more than two months after suffering a knee injury in the U’s 2-1 home defeat to Harrogate Town, on October 21.

The injury occurred in Edwards’ second substitute appearance for Colchester since returning from an ankle injury which had previously ruled him out for nearly three months.

READ MORE: Five observations from Colchester's defeat to AFC Wimbledon

Colchester boss Matty Etherington added: “Owura has had a full first week of training and he’s looked good.

“We’ve got him in mind to be involved in some part on New Year’s Day against Gillingham.

“It’s a huge bonus.”

Colchester will be without midfielder Cameron McGeehan for the Gillingham game, after he was sent off in the closing stages of the defeat at AFC Wimbledon.

Gazette: Arthur Read

The U’s will check the fitness of key player Arthur Read, who suffered an ankle injury just before the hour mark in the game at Plough Lane.

Read battled on until the end and Etherington says he is hoping the former Luton Town midfielder will be fit for the clash with the Gills.

“Ready’s struggling with his ankle,” said Etherington.

“We’re just going to have to hope he’s OK for Monday and we’ll reassess it.”

READ MORE: Colchester United fans have their say on AFC Wimbledon defeat

Etherington insists he will continue to do his ‘level best’ to bring Colchester some New Year cheer tomorrow.

The U’s head into their game with Gillingham on the back of a 5-3 reverse at AFC Wimbledon, their seventh defeat in their last eight games in all competitions.

Colchester lie a place above the League Two relegation zone and boss Etherington says he must get a response from his players, at the JobServe Community Stadium (kick-off 3pm).

Gazette: Colchester United

Etherington added: “We’ll try and lift the players.

“I’m doing my level best and that’s what I’m doing every single day.

“I think we’re seeing signs of what we’re trying to do, albeit I’d like to see signs for longer periods.

“It’s key moments in both boxes where we’re not good enough at the minute.”