Glenn Whelan may have to settle a place on Sheffield Wednesday's bench when he returns for the clash with Colchester.
U's take on in-form Owls at Hillsborough
Glenn Whelan may have to settle a place on Sheffield Wednesday's bench when he returns for the clash with Colchester at Hillsborough.
Yoann Folly has seized his chance in Whelan's absence so the Irish midfielder may not earn an instant recall for Brian Laws' men.
The Owls' midfield of Folly, Steve Watson, Burton O'Brien and Jermaine Johnson have been in commanding form in the last two matches and Whelan may have to be patient after recovering from a bruised hip.
Laws will also be without striker Deon Burton and defender Peter Gilbert after the pair collected knocks in Wednesday's midweek reserves win over Leeds.
Near full-strength
Colchester have a near full-strength squad to select from for the Championship trip to face Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday.
Defender Pat Baldwin, who was sent off against Crystal Palace last weekend, served his one-match ban in the 1-0 defeat at Wolves on Wednesday and is set to return to Geraint Williams' starting line-up.
Baldwin's comeback is likely to see Adam Virgo dropped to the bench with Matthew Connolly competing for a place in the 16.
Defender Bela Balogh limped out of the midweek clash at Molineux after just 33 minutes and is facing a race against time to make the trip north.
Goalkeeper Aidan Davison (shoulder) is making steady progress after sitting out the last couple of games and could make the bench.
