Colchester v Pompey: Early team news

Enda Stevens in action for Pompey against Crawley on Tuesday night Picture: Joe Pepler

The left-back was forced off with the problem during the second half of Tuesday’s victory at Crawley.

However, Paul Cook has declared the Irishman fit for the visit to Colchester.

Amine Linganzi is also available, having recovered from the hamstring problem brought on by fatigue.

Jack Whatmough, though, is again missing with a hamstring injury which has sidelined him for the past two games.

Curtis Main is the Blues’ other casualty.

The U’s, meanwhile, are reeling from an injury crisis which has affected 13 of their players.

Tom Lapslie is struggling with a groin problem, while Richard Brindley may return following a calf complaint.

But the news isn’t as bright elsewhere among their playing staff, with Lloyd Doyley (knee), Frankie Kent (ankle), Denny Johnstone (knee, Craig Slater (groin), Tommy O’Sullivan (knee), Luke Prosser (knee), Doug Loft (Achilles), Tom Eastman (ankle), Kurtis Guthrie (ankle), Jermaine Grandison (hip flexor) and Dean Brill (knee) missing.