Saddlers sweat on Richard Taundry's fitness

Walsall were today sweating on the fitness of Richard Taundry ahead of Saturday's Colchester clash - but have received better news on Darren Byfield and Oliver Lancashire.

Taundry was forced off with a knee injury during Tuesday's Johnstone's Paint Trophy defeat to Chesterfield and was having scans today.

And boss Chris Hutchings admitted it is touch and go whether the combative midfielder will be fit to face John Ward's men at the Banks's Stadium.

"We are waiting on Richard Taundry," said Hutchings. "He was moving more freely today. I don't know whether he is going to be OK for the weekend.

"He will have to go for a scan to make sure there is no real damage. He tweaked his knee in a collision. He's a tough cookie, though, and if there's any chance of him playing he'll play.."

However, Hutchings has received positive bulletins on the fitness of skipper Byfield, who has recently been sidelined with an Achilles problem, and defender Lancashire, who was replaced late against the Spireites on with a stomach upset.

"Darren Byfield returned to training today which is a plus. Oliver Lancashire just had a bit of an upset stomach."

"That was the only reason he came off, he wasn't injured. It was just a precaution. He should be OK."

Alex Nicholls is suspended for the visit of the Us, while Will Grigg is away on international duty. Steve Jones (ankle) could return to training in the latter part of next week.