Andy Hessenthaler hoped to have Jay Simpson available for this evening’s encounter with the Hertfordshire club

The big question ahead of Leyton Orient’s League Two match with Stevenage tonight is whether Jay Simpson will be involved or not?

O’s leading goalscorer during the 2015/16 campaign with 25 goals has yet to play a competitive game this season.

After featuring in almost every friendly fixture of the summer for the east Londoners, he was left out of the squad at Cheltenham Town on the opening day.

Orient boss Andy Hessenthaler said Simpson was “unavailable” and that’s unfortunately remained the case since.

The ex-Arsenal youngster missed the 3-2 defeat to Fulham in the English Football League Cup and wasn’t involved on Saturday when O’s lost 1-0 at home to Newport County.

Simpson watched both matches from the West Stand at Brisbane Road having discussed a move with Southend United before the start of the campaign.

Little has occurred since those talks, however, and Hessenthaler said at the weekend he hoped the forward could play against Stevenage tonight.

But if the 27-year-old isn’t involved this evening then it would appear to confirm he is being frozen out by the club.

Away from the Simpson situation, Hessenthaler has some tough decisions to make about his starting XI against Stevenage.

Nigel Atangana and Harry Cornick both impressed off the bench on Saturday and should start against Boro.

The visitors are likely to include Jobi McAnuff in their team for the visit to Brisbane Road.

After leaving Orient in the summer, the Jamaican has played in every match for Stevenage so far this season.

Jamie Jones has also featured for Boro on three occasions this year and will go back to his old stomping ground tonight.

The goalkeeper spent six years in east London before leaving on a free transfer in the summer of 2014 to join Preston North End, but signed for Stevenage on a permanent deal in January.