Colchester United welcome back experienced duo to training

But the U's are set to be without midfielder Jay Mingi for at least a number of weeks, after he suffered a hamstring injury against Peterborough United, on Tuesday night.

Akinde and Iandolo are pencilled in to make their comeback appearance for Colchester in their Professional Development League under-21 game with QPR at Maldon and Tiptree FC, next Monday.

Akinde has been suffering from a foot injury and has not featured for Colchester since playing in the 1-1 draw with Mansfield Town, on September 16.

Iandolo has been absent for more than three months, since suffering an ankle injury in the U's opening-day league defeat at Bradford City and subsequently undergoing surgery.

Bandeira could also potentially play in the match against Rangers.

The young midfielder, who is on a season-long loan at the U's from Premier League club Arsenal, has not featured for Colchester since mid-October.

Al-Amin Kazeem is also back out on the grass but is only taking part in running exercises at present with no ball work, as he continues his rehabilitation.

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Colchester United head coach Matty Etherington said: "It's brilliant news that we have John Akinde back on the grass.

"Ellis (Iandolo) is back on the grass too, which is really pleasing and also Mauro Bandeira is back from Arsenal.

"He'll be having a full week of training this week and be available for selection, after the Doncaster game.

"So we're getting numbers back, which is really good.

"Ellis and John especially, with the length of time that they've been out are going to need building up.

"They want those minutes within the under-21s to get a foundation within their fitness but in two or three weeks, I think they'll be ready for selection."

Colchester have suffered an injury blow this week though with midfielder Jay Mingi set to be sidelined for at least a number of weeks with a hamstring injury.

The former Portsmouth player limped out of the U's EFL Trophy win over Peterborough United after suffering the injury late in the first half in the 1-0 win, at the JobServe Community Stadium.

READ MORE: Matt Jay 'will be involved' for Colchester United after Trophy omission

Etherington said: "He's got a scan this morning and he's coming back in this afternoon.

"The MRI scan will tell us more but on assessment, there is damage within the hamstring which is unfortunate.

"He will be out for a period of time, hopefully a matter of weeks and not months.

"It's really unfortunate for Jay; I'm gutted for him to be honest with you.

"Looking back at the Stockport game, he was effective for certain points of the game.

"But in the previous game against Swindon, I thought he was really good and really starting to show what he's capable of.

"It's a setback for him but we'll look after him and make sure he comes back stronger."