Matt Heath, who has suffered a new groin injury

MATT Heath has suffered a new setback, in his quest to return to Colchester United’s first team.

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Centre-half Heath had fully recovered from a groin injury, and was on the bench for last weekend’s 2-1 home defeat to bottom club Chesterfield.

He was hoping to return to the U’s starting XI for this Saturday’s short trip to Leyton Orient, but a new groin problem has forced him into the treatment room again.

“Matt has strained his groin again, during a behind-closed-doors friendly against Northampton on Monday,” explained manager John Ward during this morning’s press conference.

““He came off prior to half-time. It’s actually a new injury, not the same one. It’s the same groin area, but not the same injury.

“That’s really unfortunate, because we were getting Matt back into full fitness and he could have played last Saturday.

“We decided not to do that, and get him ready for this week instead, but he won’t now be available,” added Ward.

The U’s boss will therefore decide between Tom Eastman and Pat Baldwin, to partner Magnus Okuonghae in the heart of defence at Brisbane Road.