Colchester v Swindon preview
Colchester have received mixed team news ahead of their clash at home to Swindon.
Striker Elliot Lee and centre-back Cian Bolger return to the frame having been denied permission by respective parent clubs West Ham and Bolton to play in last weekend’s FA Cup first-round defeat to Sheffield United.
Colchester winger Jeffrey Monakana was also ruled out by parent club Preston, who have this week recalled the winger meaning he is unavailable, while left-back Luke Garbutt was shown his fifth booking of the season against the Blades and so serves an automatic one-match suspension.
David Wright, Gavin Massey, Freddie Sears (all hamstring), Jabo Ibehre (hip), Sanchez Watt (thigh), Josh Thompson (ankle) and Drey Wright (knee) are all expected to remain on the sidelines.
Swindon will once again be down to the bare bones as they head to Colchester.
Manager Mark Cooper has been coping with a lengthy injury list and his options for the trip are severely limited by some notable absentees.
Midfielder Ryan Mason suffered an ankle injury at Macclesfield last Saturday and he becomes the latest player to be sidelined along with the likes of Miles Storey, Alex Smith, Troy Archibald-Henville and Tijane Reis.
Wes Foderingham (back) and Nathan Thompson (bone bruising) both missed the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy in midweek but will be assessed ahead of the clash while Ryan Harley is pushing for a start after an eye-catching 45-minute display.