Rochdale vs Colchester United - John O'Sullivan banned for Rochdale against Colchester

John O'Sullivan starts a three-match ban when Rochdale host managerless Colchester.

O'Sullivan was shown a straight red for a late tackle after just 12 minutes of the 2-1 defeat to Swindon last weekend.

Fellow midfielder Donal McDermott was forced off in the first half with a knock and will be monitored ahead of Saturday's game.

Defender Joe Rafferty (stomach) and midfield duo Jamie Allen (dead leg) and Matty Lund (thigh) remain sidelined.

Colchester caretaker Wayne Brown is hopeful midfielder Owen Garvan can return from a hip problem to boost the squad over Christmas.

The Irishman has not played since the end of October, but stepped up his rehabilitation with a run-out in the under-21s.

The U's have slumped to third bottom in the table following a 3-2 home defeat by fellow strugglers Barnsley, which was a sixth straight league defeat.

Veteran forward Chris Porter staked his claim for a return to the starting XI when he came off the bench to score late on against the Tykes.