Team News: Sam Manton absent for injury-hit Walsall

Walsall midfielder Sam Mantom is the latest name to join the Saddlers' lengthening injury list, as the midfielder is out of the team for today's League One clash against Colchester United.

The 22-year-old felt discomfort during a behind-closed-doors friendly this week, which has proved to be of enough concern to rule him out of today's game.

Ashley Grimes, Jordan Cook and Ben Purkiss are also absent, while forward Romaine Sawyers is on international duty with St Kitts and Nevis.

Colchester, playing their first game under new manager Tony Humes, are bidding to avoid a fifth straight League One defeat.

Winger Sanchez Watt is in the U's starting XI, while new signing Byron Lawrence is on the bench.

Josh Thompson is still out with a hamstring problem, but is said to be nearing fitness.

Walsall: O'Donnell, Kinsella, O'Connor, Downing, Taylor, Chambers, Flanagan, Clifford, Morris, Bradshaw, Manset Subs: Holden, Baxendale, MacGillivray, Benning, Bakayoko, Henry, Forde

Colchester United: Walker, Clohessy, Eastman, Okuonghae, Gordon, Gilbey, Moncur, Szmodics, Massey, Sears, Watt Subs: Wright, Eastmond, Lawrence, Vose, Kent, Smith, Lewington