COLCHESTER United goalkeeper Owen Goodman returned to parent club Crystal Palace last week to undergo an assessment on his ankle issue.
But the U’s are hoping that the young shot stopper will be available for their home clash with Crawley Town, this weekend.
Goodman has missed Colchester’s last two League Two games with an ankle problem.
He sustained when taking part in low tempo passing drills in training, prior to the club’s home game against Barrow.
The 20-year-old is set to also sit out tomorrow night’s Bristol Street Motors Trophy Round of 32 tie at home to West Ham United under-21s but was expected to train today, at Florence Park.
Colchester head coach Matty Etherington said: “He’s had five days off feet now with his ankle issue.
“He went back to Palace to get it assessed and they came to the same conclusion that we had in that it’s nothing serious that needs scanning.
Gazette:
“But there was some irritation there and a problem within his joint, so that’s had time to settle down now.
“Hopefully, he’ll be available for selection at the weekend.”
Experienced striker John Akinde is set to be named in Colchester’s squad for their game against West Ham under-21s, tomorrow night.
The 34-year-old played 45 minutes for the U’s under-21 side in their Professional Development League clash with QPR, scoring in the 6-3 defeat.
READ MORE: Colchester United defender edges closer to playing return
Akinde has been sidelined since mid-September with a foot injury.
“John’s been out for quite a while now and he feels like he’s ready to go,” said Etherington.
“It’s brilliant to have him back in the squad, because he offers us something different, a different dimension to what we’ve currently got and we’re really pleased to have him back.”
Meanwhile, Colchester captain Connor Hall was back out on the grass at Florence Park today.
The experienced centre-back has missed the U’s last five games after undergoing hernia surgery but could be named in the squad for the Crawley clash this weekend, having made a rapid recovery.
Etherington added: “He went to see the surgeon who did the surgery last Friday and he’s way ahead of schedule.
“He won’t be in the squad (on Tuesday) but he’ll be out on the grass.
“We’ll look to build him through the week.
“There’s nothing definite yet but there’s a slight possibility that he might be involved, on Saturday.”
