Portsmouth have no new injury worries.
But caretaker boss Guy Whittingham only has a 17-man squad to choose from as they attempt to end a run of six straight defeats.
Defender Sam Sodje is still waiting to make his debut following his recent move.
Captain Johnny Ertl moved from defence into midfield for Tuesday's 2-0 defeat by Notts County in the wake of Darel Russell's departure and should keep his place.
Former Crystal Palace midfielder Alassane N'Diaye has been training with Pompey but as yet there is no deal in place to sign him.
Liam Walker is the only player remaining from the side which drew 2-2 at Colchester back in August.
Colchester could name an unchanged side for the trip.
Joe Dunne's team ended a run of nine consecutive defeats with a 2-0 win against Walsall last weekend.
The victory moved the U's out of the relegation zone and they can move further clear of danger with victory against a Pompey side who have not won in 15 league games.
Striker Jabo Ibehre will continue in attack after marking his debut with the opening goal against the Saddlers.
Substitute Freddie Sears grabbed the second goal in that game and could be handed a start if Dunne decides to make changes.
However, fellow forward Dominic Samuel will not be involved after he returned to Reading following the end of his loan spell.
Meanwhile, Anthony Wordsworth, who has not featured in the club's last two outings, has joined Ipswich.
