Sammie Szmodics is hoping to give Colchester United an injury boost by returning for their FA Cup tie against Oxford City this weekend.

Szmodics has been out since injuring his ankle after coming on as a substitute in the U's 2-2 draw at Grimsby Town, at the end of last month.

It had initially been feared that the 22-year-old, who missed a large chunk of last season through injury, would be out for some time with ligament damage.

However, the exciting forward, who has scored five goals this season, has made good progress in his comeback and Colchester's head physio Tony Flynn says the former Stanway School pupil could even return to for the first-round tie, on Saturday.

Flynn, writing in the U's official matchday programme, said: "Sammie Szmodics has had a course of Prolotherapy, which is sugar injections in his ankle ligaments and he is reacting well to that course of treatment.

"He was running on Thursday and Friday and will be doing work with (sport scientist) Steff Russo early week and maybe joining in some sessions the lads do."

Flynn also said that Kane Vincent-Young could be available for the Oxford City clash, having missed Colchester's last two games with a hamstring injury.

Colchester's under-23s are in action this afternoon, in Professional Development League Two.

They make the short trip to play their Ipswich Town counterparts at Playford Road, kick-off 1pm.