Colchester United’s 25-year-old loanee Anthony Scully is headed back to his parent club, Portsmouth, following persistent issues with an ankle injury that has plagued him since his time at Fratton Park.
The injury has restricted Scully to just one league start for Colchester since his arrival on transfer deadline day. His latest appearance came as a substitute in the U’s FA Cup defeat against Swindon Town.
Scully, formerly part of West Ham United’s youth setup, has struggled with his ankle for several months. It was initially hoped that he could overcome the discomfort and contribute to Colchester’s campaign, but recurring pain has prompted the need for further assessment and treatment. The ongoing injury also impacted his previous season with Portsmouth, keeping him sidelined for significant stretches of play.
Colchester finds itself in a precarious position, particularly as this weekend’s lineup will be missing other key players. With forward Lyle Taylor on international duty and Owura Edwards recovering from a hamstring injury, the U’s attacking options are becoming increasingly limited.
Colchester United Faces Attacking Dilemma
Manager Danny Cowley has voiced his frustration about the timing of Scully’s transfer and injury complications, which arose shortly after signing him. He revealed that the deal came together at the last minute, allowing no time for a comprehensive medical check. Cowley explained, “We signed Anthony right at the end of deadline day. Unfortunately, the Bradley [Ihionvien] deal happened so late that most of our options had gone by that point.”
Due to the rushed nature of Scully’s signing, no medical assessment could be conducted. Cowley elaborated on the complications, sharing that Scully has some metalwork in his ankle from a prior operation, which has been causing additional pain and stiffness. “There’s some metal work in that ankle injury from a previous operation which has been really irritating him,” Cowley said.
Efforts to manage the injury included injections to alleviate the discomfort, but it appears that surgery may be the only solution to fully resolve the problem. Scully’s return to Portsmouth will allow the club to determine the best course of action for his rehabilitation, potentially including the removal of the metal hardware.
Analysis: A Setback for Both Clubs
Colchester United’s loan of Anthony Scully was always a gamble, given his previous injury history, and unfortunately, that risk hasn’t paid off for either the player or the club. When clubs finalise deals on deadline day, they often have to forgo detailed medical checks, which can result in situations like this one. Scully’s return to Portsmouth not only limits Colchester’s already thin attacking lineup but also underscores the importance of thorough medical evaluations, especially when it comes to players with known injury concerns. For fans, it’s disappointing to see a player with Scully’s potential sidelined, especially when he’d shown the promise of adding much-needed depth to Colchester’s offensive play.
From Portsmouth’s perspective, the priority will now be ensuring Scully’s health for the long term, potentially sacrificing some immediate playtime to allow for the removal of the metalwork in his ankle. This could be the best decision for both the player and club, as continuing with a lingering injury would only hinder Scully’s career. Portsmouth must now weigh the pros and cons of investing in his recovery versus cutting losses, but given Scully’s talent and determination, a solid rehabilitation plan could see him make a meaningful return—either back to Pompey or elsewhere.
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