Colchester United have been dealt a significant setback with the news that leading scorer Lyle Taylor will miss the remainder of the season due to a calf injury.
The 35-year-old striker was stretchered off early in the U’s 2-0 victory at Newport County last weekend, sparking immediate fears over the future of his career.
However, head coach Danny Cowley has provided a positive update, confirming that Taylor’s injury, while severe, is not career-ending.
Severe Strain but No Achilles Rupture
Initial concerns had centred on a possible Achilles tendon rupture, especially given Taylor’s recent history of tendonitis in the area. However, detailed scans have revealed a different diagnosis.
“The good news is that it’s not career threatening which we were nervous of at first, because he’d been struggling with tendonitis in the Achilles and we’d just assumed that he’d snapped his Achilles, the way that he had pain in that area,” said U’s boss Danny Cowley.
“But it’s actually quite a severe calf strain – it’s a 3c which is about as bad as you can do it. It’s about a 15 centimetre tear but the tear is vertical and it has a bit of soleus and gastro involved, so both calf muscles. It means his season is over unfortunately but probably a 12-week injury.”
Taylor has been a key figure for Colchester since signing last summer, scoring 13 goals in 42 appearances across league and cup competitions.
Out of contract this summer, the forward’s future remains uncertain, but Cowley praised Taylor’s influence on and off the pitch, describing him as a “positive influence” and a player with a big heart.
Although Taylor will not feature again this season, Cowley believes he will continue to play an important role around the squad as they push towards their season objectives.
Lyle Taylor
Spotted by Millwall as a teen, Taylor rose through the ranks before spells at AFC Bournemouth, Sheffield United, and Falkirk. He enjoyed prolific stints at AFC Wimbledon and Charlton, earning promotion and fan adoration. More recently, he featured for Wycombe and Cambridge.
Now 34, Taylor brings vast Football League experience to League Two Colchester through the 2024–25 season.
Writer’s view
While losing Taylor is a blow at a crucial stage of the season, the fact that the injury is not career-ending will come as a huge relief for Colchester United fans. Taylor’s experience and character have been invaluable, and even from the sidelines, his presence could still inspire the U’s as they aim to finish the campaign strongly. The summer could bring tough decisions, but Taylor has already made his mark in Essex.
