COLCHESTER United midfielder John-Joe O’Toole, on the comeback trail after injury, will not be risked for this Saturday’s visit of Carlisle.

O’Toole scored twice in a friendly fixture against West Ham on Tuesday, helping the U’s to a 2-1 victory over the young Hammers.

However, manager Joe Dunne believes that it is still too soon to risk O’Toole returning to the first team – he has not started a game since the 1-1 draw against Sheffield United on August 25.

“John-Joe is not there quite yet,” revealed Dunne during this morning’s press conference at the U’s training ground at Florence Park.

“More work is needed, but he is very close to a return.

“I think he needs another game and he needs another week of hard training.

“I don’t want to give false hope to anyone,” added Dunne.

O’Toole has been hampered by a groin injury in recent weeks and has been nursed back slowly to full fitness.

Defender Matt Heath (hamstring) and midfielder Kem Izzet (hip) will also miss Saturday’s home game against mid-table Carlisle.