Colchester United: Kurtis Guthrie and Craig Slater out for season

Kurtis Guthrie and Craig Slater have been mainstay's of a side currently two points outside the League Two play-offs

Colchester United's injury problems continue to mount with forward Kurtis Guthrie and midfielder Craig Slater ruled out for the rest of the season.

The League Two side's injury list now contains 14 players, also including defenders Tom Eastman and Frankie Kent.

Guthrie, 23, has 12 goals this term, but requires ankle surgery after going off against Hartlepool.

Slater, 22, has played 32 times, but has had an operation after playing with double hernia and groin problems.