Colchester captain Kem Izzet is back in training but unlikely to be fit.
The midfielder has been sidelined for six weeks with a hip injury.
Boss Joe Dunne has no new injury problems but watched the U's fall to a third successive defeat in the space of a week as they went down 3-2 at Crewe last Saturday.
He must now decide whether to stick with the same XI or mix things up against the Shakers in order to rediscover that winning formula.
Dunne handed a start to loan signing John Sullivan and the goalkeeper is set to keep his place between the sticks, while fellow new boy Josh Thompson could come in for his first appearance having been an unused substitute at Gresty Road.
Bury boss Kevin Blackwell will assess the fitness of David Healy.
Veteran striker Healy rested on Thursday having returned from international duty with Northern Ireland, who drew 1-1 with Azerbaijan the previous evening.
The resurgent Shakers could move out of the relegation zone if results go their way this weekend and defender Joe Skarz is eager to gain revenge for last season's 3-0 defeat against the U's.
"Colchester was probably our worst display of the season last year," he told the Bury Times. "So we'll be looking to put things right. I know all the lads feel the same way.
Elsewhere, the Shakers have no fitness concerns barring long-term knee injury absentees Phil Picken and Lenell John-Lewis.
Forward John-Lewis is around a fortnight away from a return to training and could be ready for match action in time for the busy festive period.
