Walsall welcome back skipper Andy Butler to the first-team fold.
The defender sat out the 2-2 draw with Yeovil due to suspension, but will return to the starting XI as the Saddlers look to end their 16-match winless run.
Boss Dean Smith could have Florent Cuvelier available for selection. The midfielder has returned to training having been sidelined since October with a hamstring injury. The 20-year-old will undergo a fitness test ahead of the game.
Midfielder Nicky Featherstone picked up an ankle knock in training but is expected to be cleared to play.
The Saddlers have not won since September, but have drawn four of their last five games and face a U's side who have lost four matches in a row.
Colchester remain without Gavin Massey as the striker completes his three-match ban after being sent off during the club's 5-1 defeat at MK Dons.
But U's boss Joe Dunne is boosted by the return of midfielder Marcus Bean and defender Magnus Okuonghae from their bans. The duo both missed the 1-0 loss at Bournemouth after picking up their fifth cautions of the campaign the week before.
They joined Brian Wilson, who is back in contention after illness, in the club's 8-0 Essex Senior Cup win over Brentwood Town in midweek and should be involved at Walsall.
Defender Matt Heath played 45 minutes in the tie on his comeback from a calf injury and could be named in the first-team squad for the first time since October.
The U's are looking to avoid a fifth consecutive defeat.
