Colchester United vs Sheffield United - Darren Ambrose returns as Colchester bid to blunt Blades

Posted Friday, January 15, 2016 by PA

Colchester midfielder Darren Ambrose will return to contention for the home game against Sheffield United following illness.

Ambrose will be included in boss Kevin Keen's plans after missing last week's FA Cup win against Charlton but fellow midfielder Tom Lapslie, an unused substitute in that match, has a muscle strain and will be monitored.

Defender George Elokobi is still struggling with a hamstring injury and midfielder Sammie Szmodics (knock) will miss out again.

Keen could name an unchanged starting line-up as he bids for his first league success since replacing Tony Humes in December.

Sheffield United midfielder Paul Coutts is pushing for a recall after being rested for the midweek game at Wigan.

Coutts played a key role in the recent FA Cup defeat at Manchester United and sat out Tuesday's 3-3 draw, in which the Blades fought back from three goals down.

Manager Nigel Adkins has no major new injury or suspension worries but will run the rule over several players who are carrying slight knocks after two games in four days.

Striker Billy Sharp (foot) and defender Jay McEveley (pelvic injury) both recovered sufficiently to start at Wigan and will be in contention.