Scunthorpe United look like being without talented midfielder Jimmy Ryan for Saturday's trip to Colchester United.

The former Accrington Stanley ace is struggling with a knee injury ahead of their return to League One action at the weekend and is unlikely to be risked.

The problem is in the same knee in which Ryan damaged ligaments in September, a setback which sidelined him for three months.

He played with the injury heavily strapped during his side's 2-1 win at Hartlepool nine days ago, but the Iron are wary of making it worse.

"Jimmy is still on the treatment table and we're assessing him," said boss Alan Knill.

"But I don't think it's looking good for the weekend.

"Him and Michael O'Connor are the main two doubts, but Michael is better.

"It's disappointing about Jimmy, but that's how it goes.

"It's disappointing for him more than anybody because he worked hard to come back and then all of a sudden he's out again.

"It's in the same area as his previous injury, but hopefully he'll be back a lot sooner than he was last time."

Mark Duffy will return from a minor hamstring problem at the Weston Homes Community Stadium, but Bobby Grant is still yet to train with a knock that ruled him out of his side's Pools triumph.

Knill has confirmed Damien Mozika is scheduled to return to full training next week as he recovers from an ankle injury sustained in training during October.

"Damien has been running around this week," the Iron chief added.

"It makes a change to see him smiling because he's been a little bit down, he just wants to play.

"He looks a lot happier, but watching him yesterday he looked like he was moving really well.

"We want him back now, but the signs are good that if he's not ready to train with us this week, he definitely will be next week.

"We'll try to get a reserve game organised for him, even if he only plays for a half."