Colchester United vs Rochdale preview - Gorkss set for league bow

Colchester's new signing Kaspars Gorkss is expected to make his league debut for the club against Rochdale.

The Latvian defender signed a short-term deal until January in time to help ease the U's defensive crisis and make his first appearance in last week's FA Cup win against Peterborough.

Boss Tony Humes must decide whether to recall on-loan defender Will Packwood, who missed the second-round tie through suspension after being sent off on his debut in the previous week's 6-0 defeat at MK Dons.

Magnus Okuonghae continues his rehabilitation following Achilles tendon surgery and fellow defender Frankie Kent remains sidelined due to the knee injury that has kept him out of the last five matches.

Rochdale midfielder Matty Done is available after suspension and defender Jack O'Connell will also return to contention.

Done has missed the last three games following his dismissal in the recent home defeat to Doncaster, while O'Connell was not given permission by parent club Blackburn to play in last week's goalless FA Cup tie at Aldershot.

Midfielder Matty Lund and defender Rhys Bennett are also expected to return to the squad after missing out at Aldershot through the illness that forced manager Keith Hill to make five changes.

Defender Michael Rose, midfielder Bastien Hery and striker Calvin Andrew will all be hoping to retain their places in the starting line-up and Peter Vincenti (knee), who stepped off the bench at Aldershot for his first appearance since October, could feature again.