Potential problems for U's
Colchester manager Joe Dunne will assess a number of unnamed players ahead of Friday night's visit of out-of-sorts Carlisle.
Two members of Dunne's squad are doubtful due to illness while another couple have sustained knocks, although the U's boss is keeping his cards close to his chest regarding their identity.
Dunne has kept faith with an unchanged starting XI for Colchester's last two games - a 1-0 home win over Port Vale and last weekend's 1-1 draw at Sheffield United.
The Essex club have taken seven points from their first three matches in League One.
Carlisle striker Lee Miller is expected to return to the starting line-up following suspension.
The Scot was shown a straight red card in the opening-day defeat to Leyton Orient and the Cumbrians have failed to score in their two subsequent league matches.
Skipper Paul Thirlwell, who missed last week's 4-0 home defeat to Coventry due to an Achilles injury, could return to help steady the ship following four straight losses that have cast doubts over the future of manager Greg Abbott.
Abbott has hinted versatile winger Matty Robson could make his first appearance of the season after being sidelined with a back injury.
Source: PA
