Colchester v Scunthorpe preview

Team news ahead of Saturday's League One clash between Colchester and Scunthorpe at Weston Homes Community Stadium.

Anthony Wordsworth could return for Colchester.

The nine-goal midfielder missed the 1-0 defeat at MK Dons on January 2 with chickenpox, but not having a game last weekend due to the club's earlier exit from the FA Cup has given him time to recover.

Defender Matt Heath is not expected to be available in time, however, having missed the reverse at stadium:mk with a groin injury. Heath trained for the first time on Thursday and it is hoped he will be back in full training on Monday.

Tom Eastman stepped in against the Dons and is set to keep his place alongside Magnus Okuonghae at the heart of the defence.

Winger Ashley Vincent (hamstring) remains another couple of weeks away from his comeback having aggravated the problem in training.

Scunthorpe midfielder Jimmy Ryan is not expected to feature after suffering a recurrence of his knee injury.

Ryan was sidelined for nearly three months due to a cruciate ligament injury before returning to the side in December but is waiting to learn the full extent of his latest damage.

Manager Alan Knill will include new signings Connor Jennings and Christian Ribeiro, though.

Jennings was signed from Stalybridge last week as a replacement for Chris Dagnall, who has joined Barnsley, and Bristol City defender Ribeiro signed a two-month loan deal in time and could even start at right-back. Midfielder Josh Walker could also feature after he joined the club from Watford.

Central defender Shane Duffy has returned to parent club Everton, so Paul Reid could return to the starting line-up, while doubts surround skipper Cliff Byrne, who missed the win at Hartlepool last time out due to his troublesome groin.

Goalkeeper Josh Lillis (knee), striker Matt Godden (hip) and midfielders Damien Mozika (ankle) and Michael Collins (Achilles) remain long-term absentees but the latter two are soon expected to be back in contention.