Colchester United vs Notts County preview - Lapslie may make Colchester return

Colchester's teenage midfielder Tom Lapslie could return to contention for the home game against Notts County.

Lapslie missed the weekend defeat at Doncaster due to an ankle injury sustained in the win against Bristol City in the previous match but is making "real progress".

Recent signing Karleigh Osborne is expected to make his home debut after the on-loan Bristol City defender made his first appearance on Saturday, but midfielder Sammie Szmodics (foot) is unlikely to feature.

David Fox overcame a hip/groin problem to play the full 90 minutes at Doncaster and fellow midfielder George Moncur is pushing for a recall to the starting line-up after recovering from tonsilitis.

Notts County have no new problems as they look to arrest an alarming slide down the table.

The Magpies played well against Port Vale on Saturday but slipped to a ninth defeat in the last 12 matches and travel to Essex just three points above the relegation zone.

Boss Shaun Derry has the likes of Alan Smith, Will Hayhurst, Sean Newton and Gary Jones available should he wish to make any changes to his starting line-up on Tuesday night.

He will not be able to call on Bolton forward Kaiyne Woolery as the 20-year-old has returned to his parent club.