Leyton Orient hope to welcome Lee Cook back into the squad.
The midfielder missed the weekend's 2-0 defeat at Oldham through illness but is expected to be involved.
But manager Russell Slade remains without Kevin Lisbie, Scott Cuthbert and goalkeeping duo Jamie Jones and Lee Butcher.
Striker Lisbie has a hamstring problem that is likely to keep him sidelined for a further two weeks.
Defender Cuthbert is also struggling with a hamstring complaint, while Jones is sidelined with a shoulder injury and Butcher has a long-term knee problem.
Orient have lost four of their last six matches but have beaten both Hartlepool and Barnet 1-0 in their last two home outings in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.
Colchester will assess Sanchez Watt and Brian Wilson ahead of the midweek encounter.
On-loan Arsenal winger Watt took a knock to the knee and was forced off on the hour mark in Saturday's 2-0 home win over Carlisle, although it is hoped it is not too serious.
Right-back Wilson is more of a concern having been withdrawn at half-time with a groin strain, with John White on standby to step in if required.
Centre-back Matt Heath is already missing with the hamstring injury which ruled him out at the weekend, as are midfielder Kem Izzet (hip) and striker Clinton Morrison (suspension).
Midfielder John-Joe O'Toole is nearing his comeback from a groin injury but Saturday's trip to Shrewsbury is more of a likely target.
