Either Jason Dozzell or Kelechi Opara is set to be given the nod if Colchester United new boy Jamie Moralee is not fit enough to lead the attack in Saturday's opening game of the season at Chesterfield.
Former Brighton striker Moralee is looking a certain non-starter after limping out of last weekend's friendly at Workington in the first minute with an injured ankle.
U's boss Mick Wadsworth said on Thursday: "With Steve Forbes and Geraint Williams also injured, my options are limited."
But former club captain Richard Wilkins is back in training after injuring his neck last week and hamstring victim Forbes was also expected to resume training today (Friday).
If the U's are drawn at home in the first round of this season's Auto Windscreens Shield, the game will be played at Layer Road on Tuesday, December 7.
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