Colchester United vs Hartlepool United FC - Colchester without duo ahead of Hartlepool game

Posted Friday, February 24, 2017 by PA

Play-off chasing Colchester have seen forward Denny Johnstone (knee) and defender Frankie Kent (ankle) ruled out for the rest of the Sky Bet League Two campaign as they prepare for the visit of Hartlepool.

Midfielder Craig Slater will be assessed on a groin problem ahead of the game to see if he is fit to play.

Left-back Lewis Kinsella (foot) and forward Sammie Szmodics (ankle) have both stepped up their recovery from injury.

Midfielder Doug Loft (Achilles), defender Tom Eastman (ankle) and club captain Luke Prosser (knee) all continue their rehabilitation, along with defender Jermaine Grandison (hip), Lloyd Doyley (calf) and midfielder Tommy O'Sullivan (knee).

Hartlepool are without forwards Andrew Nelson and Billy Paynter for the trip to Essex.

Nelson injured his knee against Plymouth and has returned to parent club Sunderland for treatment, while Paynter is still not ready to return after Achilles trouble.

Sean Kavanagh faces a fitness test and Liam Donnelly should be back after two games on the sidelines with an ankle complaint.

Matthew Bates (hamstring), Trevor Carson (shoulder) and Rob Jones (knee) are out.