Two of Colchester United’s big-name players, Sammie Szmodics and Kurtis Guthrie, both missed out on Saturday’s dismal 1-0 defeat at lowly Crewe.

The U’s delivered a very flat performance at Gresty Road, and so could certainly have done with the presence of leading scorer Szmodics and front-runner Guthrie in their ranks.

“Sammie has got a back injury,” revealed U’s boss John McGreal. “He has been suffering from a sore back for a number of weeks.

“He comes on and does a cameo, and then it tends to lock up.

“Sammie’s been to the chiropractor and he has got to rest up. I don’t know how long that will be for.”

- Carl Marston’s Talking Points from the defeat at Crewe

Guthrie sustained an ankle injury during the 1-1 draw at Carlisle the previous week.

“Kurtis couldn’t make it today,” confirmed McGreal.

“He has had extra treatment over the weekend, and we will see what next week brings, but I’m not too hopeful.”