Colchester United striker Kurtis Guthrie has spent time at St George's Park this week in a bid to speed up his injury comeback.

The U's striker, who has not played since injuring his ankle against Hartlepool United last February, is at the National Football Centre in Burton receiving treatment, as he bids to return to action.

Guthrie, who scored 12 goals in his first season for Colchester last year, was offered a new contract by the club this week.

The 24-year-old follows in the footsteps of the likes of U's team-mates Sam Walker and Drey Wright, who have both spent time at the facility as part of their injury rehabilitation periods.

Meanwhile, Colchester boss John McGreal has revealed that club captain Luke Prosser is still another six weeks away from an injury return.

Prosser has not played for the U's since undergoing a knee operation last November and underwent further surgery last month after suffering pain when he was striking the ball.

The former Southend United centre-back had been hoping to return by early September but it now looks as though he will have to be a little more patient before making his long-awaited comeback.

There is good news on the injury front for midfielder Doug Loft, though.

He returned as a late substitute in the U's 1-1 draw with Stevenage last weekend, having suffered a rib injury in their final pre-season friendly of the summer against Gillingham last month.

It caused Loft to miss Colchester's first two matches of the season but he is now available again and in contention to feature at Luton Town, this weekend.

McGreal said: “Doug’s back fit, after his little cameo last week."

Colchester's under-23s will face Newcastle United in this year's Premier League Cup group stage.

The U's will also take on Burnley and Swansea City on a home and away basis in the competition, in which they faced the likes of Manchester City and Sunderland last season.