Colchester are hoping Karl Duguid and Pat Baldwin do not join Izale McLeod on the injured list for the Selhurst Park clash with Crystal Palace.On-loan Charlton striker McLead has been ruled out for up to nine months after rupturing knee ligaments and has returned to his parent club for treatment.

Midfielder Duguid could return following a foot injury while defender Baldwin is back in training after recovering from a knee problem. Both face late fitness tests.

Fellow defender John White is back in contention after recovering from a dislocated elbow but second choice goalkeeper Mark Cousins (appendicitis) and forward Mark Yeates (shoulder) remain sidelined.

The Us travel to south London looking to end a run of three successive defeats and cut the eight-point gap between themselves and Championship survival.

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