Szmodics in fitness race for Lincoln clash

Colchester’s Sammie Szmodics faces a race to be fit for the League Two clash with leaders Lincoln on Saturday.

The forward has sat out the last two games after picking up a leg injury in training last week and looks likely to miss out again.

Boss John McGreal could consider changes after Colchester’s three-game winning run came to an end at Grimsby on Tuesday.

Midfielder Brennan Dickenson and striker Mikael Mandron are among those who could come into contention if McGreal does decide to shuffle his pack.

Lincoln hope to have Jason Shackell and Lee Frecklington available.

Defender Shackell has missed the last three games because of injury while midfielder Frecklington has not played since sustaining a knock in the 6-2 win over Port Vale three games ago.

Lincoln have been held to draws in both games since at home to Cambridge and Carlisle.

Danny Cowley’s side will definitely be missing midfielder Ellis Chapman after the appeal against his red card in the draw with Cambridge was turned down.