Oxford United have suffered double injury blow as Karl Robinson’s side played out a goalless draw against Shrewsbury Town. Both Anthony Forde and James Henry picked up knocks in the stalemate. They will be sidelined for some key, upcoming games.
Double Injury Blow as Oxford United Draw a Blank
Two More Midfielders Sidelined
Oxford were already without five midfielders through injury. Now Forde and Henry will join those players as Robinson’s already depleted midfield took another blow.
This game always had the potential to a tough fixture for the U’s. Alex Rodriguez Gorrin missed the game through suspension. Jamie Hanson, who was due to return from his respective injury, picked up another injury during the week.
It meant Henry played in the deeper role, which in turn limited large parts of the U’s attacking play. The change certainly influenced the home sides style of play and found it difficult to break down a resilient Shrews defence.
Losing Forde with a suspected broken rib just before the break wasn’t ideal, but the change in person should have worked better. Defender Elliott Moore replaced the Irishman and moved into defence. This allowed John Mousinho to sit in the role Henry was tasked with. Henry, the clubs top scorer this season, could then advance into a more attacking role and, in hindsight, it’s probably how Robinson should have started the match.
But in the second half, Shrewsbury remained as resilient at the back, and the U’s continued to find frustration in the attack.
And it got worse when with twenty minutes remaining, Henry suffered a thigh strain, leaving him to join the ever-growing injury list.
Injury List at Oxford United
Oxford are without a number of key players. Goalkeeper Simon Eastwood suffered a knee injury during the win at Southend United. As a result, Karl Robinson has signed former Millwall goalkeeper Jordan Archer on a short term deal.
The midfield is becoming lower in numbers by the week. As mentioned, Hanson was due to return but picked up a second hamstring strain in the week, while Shandon Baptiste also failed to return.
Cameron Brannagan, who has been out since the last week of October, should be back before the new year. But Ben Woodburn and George Thorne – on loan from Liverpool and Derby respectively – won’t return until new year, while Malachi Napa is out for the season following a severe leg break earlier this year.
Main Photo
