Ollie Palmer unlikely to feature in EFL Trophy Southern Group G fixture at Falmer Stadium

Leyton Orient will be forced to make changes to their team for tonight’s EFL Trophy Southern Group G fixture against Brighton & Hove Albion under-23s.

Ollie Palmer was forced off in the first half of Sunday’s 6-0 defeat to Sheffield United in the first round of the FA Cup.

The O’s striker, who has scored four times this season, is unlikely to feature at Falmer Stadium due to a dead leg with Paul McCallum the favourite to replace him.

Alberto Cavasin said Yvan Erichot was close to returning, but he may not be risked with Saturday’s League Two match at Colchester United more important.

Tom Parkes was another to limp off injured at the weekend and could be given a rest against the Seagulls with either Jens Janse or Aron Pollock taking his place.

New signing Michael Collins will be pushing to make his full debut having impressed off the bench against Crewe Alexandra on October 29.

With Orient’s form so poor, it was hoped that Cavasin might give a chance to some of the younger members of the east Londoners squad, but that looks unlikely.

The O’s will progress through to round two of the EFL Trophy if they beat Brighton this evening.

A draw would potentially send the Brisbane Road outfit through unless Stevenage can beat Southend United by four goals while another defeat would see them definitely exit the competition.