U's sweat on defender's fitness
Brian Wilson will again be assessed as Colchester prepare to host out-of-sorts Tranmere.
The right-back missed last weekend's 3-0 defeat at Sheffield United with the ankle injury which forced him off against Preston the week previous, and United will monitor his fitness in the build-up to the visit of a Rovers side who have lost their last four on the spin.
New loan signing Bradley Garmston enjoyed an impressive debut at Bramall Lane having come in at left-back, with John White switching across to the right, and boss Joe Dunne is again likely to go with that should Wilson miss out.
Winger George Porter will also be checked upon having hobbled off last weekend after a heavy challenge.
Captain Kem Izzet is close to making his return from a lengthy ankle injury although the clash will come too soon, goalkeeper Mark Cousins continues to sit out with his wrist problem.
Mamady Sidibe is in line to make his Tranmere debut as Ronnie Moore's men look to get their promotion bid back on track.
The 33-year-old striker joined Rovers on loan from Stoke until the end of the season this week.
Winger Adam McGurk has been ruled out for four to six weeks after he suffered a collapsed lung on Thursday night.
Elsewhere, Danny Holmes could be fit to return in defence after missing Tuesday night's defeat to Swindon with a head injury, although Moore may opt to retain Michael Kay in his back four.
"Danny Holmes can train (on Friday) but I thought Michael Kay did well," he told Rovers' official website. "He worked hard and he was strong so it might be that I'll leave him in."
Winger Abdulai Bell-Baggie is pushing for a start following an impressive midweek cameo.
"People keep telling me he's an impact player so it's about time he grew up and became a starter," Moore added. "His contract is up at the end of the season and we've started negotiations over that. He'll get a chance on Saturday."
Tranmere lie sixth in the table but are only two points off top spot despite losing five of their last six matches, including all four this month.
Source: PA
