Walsall vs Colchester preview - Mantom suffers Saddlers set-back

Walsall boss Dean Smith must deal with a growing injury list against Colchester after Sam Mantom suffered a set-back.

The midfielder has not played this season with a knee injury and felt discomfort during a behind-closed-doors friendly this week and is being assessed.

Striker Ashley Grimes is out for two weeks with a calf problem while James Chambers is also sidelined after the return of his groin injury.

Jordan Cook and Ben Purkiss (both ankle) are two weeks away from a comeback and forward Romaine Sawyers is on international duty with St Kitts and Nevis.

Colchester's new manager Tony Humes could be tempted to make one or two changes in his first match in charge as his side bid to avoid a fifth straight League One defeat.

Former academy boss Humes, handed his first managerial job on Monday following the sacking of Joe Dunne and Mark Kinsella, has no new major injury concerns.

Winger Sanchez Watt (tendonitis) is expected to return to the starting line-up after coming off the bench to impress in last week's home defeat to Peterborough.

Josh Thompson is closing in on his return to the squad after his start to the season has been delayed due to a hamstring problem.