Dean Hammond is not able to make his Colchester debut against Sheffield United at Layer Road as he is still serving a suspension.The midfielder, a £250,000 deadline-day capture from Brighton, serves the final game of a three-match ban after being sent off for the Seagulls against Oldham earlier this month.

Defender Pat Baldwin is still struggling with a knee injury and is unlikely to be risked, so Adam Virgo will continue to partner Chris Coyne at the back.

Midfielder Kevin Watson (Achilles) and out-of-favour skipper Karl Duguid played 90 minutes of a friendly against Chelsea in midweek to push their claims for recalls.

Goalkeeper Aidan Davidson is recovering from shoulder surgery so rookie Mark Cousins continues on the bench as back-up to Dean Gerken.

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