Colchester United have suffered another double blow with the news that both Kurtis Guthrie and Craig Slater have been ruled out for the rest of the season.

Ipswich Star: Kurtis Guthrie is taken from the pitch on a stretcher after sustaining an ankle injury late on during the U's 2-1 home win over Hartlepool. He will not play again this season. Picture: STEVE WALLERKurtis Guthrie is taken from the pitch on a stretcher after sustaining an ankle injury late on during the U's 2-1 home win over Hartlepool. He will not play again this season. Picture: STEVE WALLER (Image: � Copyright Stephen Waller)

Leading scorer Guthrie suffered serious damage to his ankle, during the U’s 2-1 home win over Hartlepool last weekend.

And influential midfielder Slater has undergone an operation on a double hernia. The ex-Kilmarnock 22-year-old also has an associated adductor injury.

Team-mate George Elokobi expressed his sadness at the news that both players will take no further part in this season, as the U’s continue to strive to reach the League Two play-offs.

“It’s very disappointing to know that Kurtis and Craig will be out for the rest of the season,” rued Elokobi.

“It is very sad for them, but as players we have to keep progressing and picking up as many points as possible.

“We must not feel sorry for ourselves, despite all the injuries that we have had this season.

“It’s been crazy, but we have to keep going,” added Elokobi.

Guthrie and Slater join a long list of U’s players who are out for the season, including a trio of centre-halves in Frankie Kent, Tom Eastman and Luke Prosser, in addition to striker Denny Johnstone.

Lloyd Doyley, Jermaine Grandison, Doug Loft and Tommy O’Sullivan are other long-term casualties, although the U’s are set welcome back long-term injury victims Lewis Kinsella and Sammie Szmodics to the squad for tomorrow’s visit to Cambridge United. Kinsella was an unused substitute at Grimsby in midweek.

Assistant manager Steve Ball said: “It’s really sad for these two lads. They have both had a great year for us.

“Kurtis has scored so many goals, and Craig has been massive for us in midfield.”

At least the U’s are set to welcome back Richard Brindley for tomorrow’s trip to The Abbey Stadium. Defender Brindley missed the Grimsby match due to a sore calf.