Chris Porter will remain on the sidelines for Colchester United’s trip to Mansfield this Saturday.

Porter has been out of action since the U’s 2-1 defeat at Plymouth Argyle on October 29, because of a niggling hamstring injury.

It was hoped that the 32-year-old target man would benefit from the current two-week break from competitive action, and be back in the first-team fold at Field Mill.

But manager John McGreal revealed this lunchtime: “The break has not really helped Chris (Porter). He’s still out, so it’s as we were.

“Unfortunately, Chris is still a little way off.

“He had planned to play at Yeovil (on November 19), but woke up in the morning and felt the hamstring sort of lock-up,” added McGreal.

Better news surrounds Sammie Szmodics, who has returned to training after a recent injury.

McGreal confirmed: “Sammie has been back this week, which is a good sign.

“He had an injection not too long ago, and it seems to have worked after a little rest.”