Colchester United vs Cheltenham Town - Craig Slater doubtful before Cheltenham come to town

Posted Sunday, January 01, 2017 by PA

Colchester will check on midfielder Craig Slater ahead of the visit of Cheltenham.

Slater missed the 4-2 win at Stevenage on New Year's Eve through illness, so will be assessed.

Forward Denny Johnstone came off at half-time because of a hamstring injury, so fit-again forward Chris Porter is pressing for a place in the starting XI after coming off the bench to score.

Defender Matt Briggs (hip) is close to a return, while midfielder Sammie Szmodics (foot), Lewis Kinsella (ankle), Doug Loft (Achilles) and Luke Prosser (knee) all continue their recovery.

Cheltenham will have forward Diego De Girolamo available following his loan move from Bristol City.

Danny Whitehead, Jonny Smith, Easah Suliman and Koby Arthur have all returned to their parent clubs following the end of loan spells.

On-loan Everton goalkeeper Russell Griffiths could feature before the end of the his half-season deal, while defender Rob Dickie could be set to extend his stay from Reading.

Defender Asa Hall is still sidelined with an Achilles injury, but could come back into contention from February.