Colchester United have received a big boost after forward Sanchez Watt returned to training.

The former Arsenal youngster has been hampered by injury and has managed only four starts for Joe Dunne’s side this season.

Watt, 22, has not featured for the U’s in a competitive match since their 2-1 defeat at the hands of Leyton Orient, in August.

But after receiving several weeks of intensive treatment for a thigh injury, he is now made a welcome return to the football pitches at Florence Park.

U’s boss Joe Dunne said: “Sanchez is back in training which is great news for everyone and a big boost.

“It’s another milestone for Sanchez and we have a good youth team to train with.

“It’s a case of him taking it steady but it’s a big hurdle for him to get over.”

Watt joined Colchester on a permanent basis in the summer, following a successful loan spell with them last season.

But an injury in their pre-season friendly at Maldon and Tiptree caused him to miss the start of the League One campaign.

And since then, injuries have prevented Watt from playing a significant part in the U’s season.

He was on the verge of a comeback when he suffered a second successive thigh injury when he over-stretched during a training session, last month.

But he is now edging towards a recovery and Colchester are hoping he will be fit enough to return, in the new year.