Colchester United vs Notts County - Sammie Szmodics only fresh injury concern for Colchester

Colchester will be without midfielder Sammie Szmodics for the visit of Notts County.

Szmodics had just returned to action from an ankle problem, but is now back in a protective boot after suffering a set-back while playing for the under-23s against Crystal Palace on Monday night.

U's boss John McGreal reported no other new injury problems following last weekend's goalless draw at Mansfield.

Striker Chris Porter is still sidelined by a hamstring injury, while midfielder Doug Loft, who has not featured since the end of August, is closing in on a return from his Achilles problem. Colchester captain Luke Prosser has been ruled out for the rest of the season following knee surgery.

Notts County captain Michael O'Connor is suspended for the trip to Essex.

The defender's appeal against his red card versus Wycombe last weekend was unsuccessful and so he will serve a three-match ban.

Midfielder Curtis Thompson could come into contention for a place in the squad after training for more than a week after a long lay-off.

After five successive league defeats manager John Sheridan will also be hoping midfielder Stanley Aborah, out for a month, and winger Alex Rodman, sidelined since early November, can return soon.