Colchester v Doncaster preview

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Anthony Wordsworth is likely to miss for the hosts.

The midfielder went down during the latter stages of last weekend’s 1-0 defeat at Brentford fearing he had broken his leg but instead suffered only severe bruising to his ankle.

Wordsworth is hopeful of a swift return against Rovers but manager Jon Ward is likely to take a more cautious approach and rest him for Tuesday’s visit of Crawley or even next weekend’s trip to Scunthorpe.

Winger Karl Duguid missed out against Brentford altogether with a knee complaint and he is set for around two weeks on the sidelines.

But the U’s are expected to be boosted by the availability of midfielder John-Joe O’Toole, who has returned to full training following a groin problem.

Doncaster have no new problems as they prepare for the trip.

Rovers have been out of action since losing 2-1 at Yeovil on September 1 as last weekend’s scheduled home fixture against Oldham was postponed due to the Latics receiving international call-ups.

New signing Iain Hume is still not ready for a start. Hume, who joined Rovers on loan from Preston at the end of August, made his debut as a second-half substitute against Yeovil but the Canada international striker is still short of match fitness.

“Iain is nowhere near full match fitness because he’s not kicked a ball all summer at Preston,” said Saunders, who is hoping to bolster his small squad with loan signings. “He’s been training in the gym so he’s having a few niggles now he’s training properly with us.”

Saunders may look to rotate his side after losing back-to-back league games by the odd goal against Crawley and Yeovil.

The former Wales boss has defenders James Husband and Shelton Martis, midfielders James Harper and Paul Keegan and striker Robbie Blake all available should he wish to make changes.