Colchester United have received a boost with the news that striker Jamie Guy's thigh injury is not as bad as first feared.

The 20-year-old forward is yet to feature in a U's game this season after suffering the injury in pre-season.

Guy has had a scan on the injury, which has revealed that there is no tear.

However, it is too early to say whether he will be available for Saturday's Coca-Cola Championship clash with Preston North End.

With Kevin Lisbie also now fully recovered from his ankle problem and new signing Adam Virgo having played 90 minutes for the reserves on Tuesday, Colchester boss Geraint Williams' injury worries in attack appear to be easing.

However, midfielder Kevin McLeod is definitely out of the trip to Deepdale.

He injured his groin in the U's 2-2 draw with Barnsley last Saturday.

Goalkeeper Aidan Davison will be assessed again in training today after playing 45 minutes for the reserves on Tuesday.

The veteran keeper has missed Colchester's first three matches of the season with a back injury.

However, the club are hoping he will be fit for the Preston match, with first-choice stop-stopper Dean Gerken suspended.

Meanwhile, midfielder Kevin Watson is easing his way back to fitness following his Achilles injury, sustained in pre-season.