CALLUM Harriott has been made to wait for his Colchester United return appearance after his recovery from a quad injury took longer than expected.

The 25-year-old winger, who made 23 appearances and scored seven goals during a successful loan spell with the U’s in the 2015-16 season, signed a two-year deal at the JobServe Community Stadium at the start of last month.

But Harriott, who had been a free agent since leaving Championship outfit Reading at the end of last season, is yet to feature for his new club.

It has been disappointing for both club and player, with Harriott's return to the League Two club on a permanent basis having created a great deal of excitement among U's fans who have been looking forward to seeing him back in a Colchester shirt.

Writing in the official programme for the Stevenage game last weekend, U’s first-team physio Shayne O’Reilly said: “Callum Harriott’s progress is slightly slower, much to his frustration.

“He has improved but the end stages of rehab are going a little slower than anticipated.

“He’s doing everything in his power to get back on the pitch."

O'Reilly also revealed that youngster Tariq Issa is set for a spell out after he suffered a knee injury.

The striker, who had been on loan at BetVictor Isthmian League division one north side Maldon and Tiptree, requires surgery and is set for a spell on the sidelines.

However, there is good news on Harry Pell, who has been out running at the club's Florence Park training ground.

The popular midfielder is said to be progressing well, having not played since the U's opening-day draw with Port Vale because of an Achilles injury.