Dwight Tiendalli will be out of action for Oxford United for around a month but the injury is not as bad as first feared.
The Dutch international full-back slid in to block a cross during Saturday’s 1-1 draw at MK Dons and then limped off holding the back of his leg.
Scans have shown damage to the hamstring but the prognosis is that it will be a matter of weeks rather than months before he is available again.
Tiendalli definitely misses the next two games where United have home matches against Gillingham and Bradford meaning Christian Ribeiro is likely to revert to right back while youngster Canice Carroll is also available after captaining the Republic of Ireland under 19 side to a 2-1 win over the Czech Republic yesterday afternoon.
Tickets are available for Saturday’s game from oufctickets.co.uk and from 01865 337533 and in person from the Ticket Office.