Oxford United have been in tremendous form and achieved an incredible 18-game unbeaten run in all competitions. But, injuries have finally taken their toll.
What is equally impressive is that Karl Robinson’s side have achieved the run with many key players out injured. But their defeat at MK Dons was the inevitable result to an upcoming loss.
Injuries Catch-Up as Oxford United Lose First Game in 18
Key Players Out, but One in Particular
Oxford had been without nine first-team players, but Cameron Brannagan made a surprise start after missing seven weeks and Shandon Baptiste returned to the bench.
But the one key player missing as the U’s saw their unbeaten run come to an abrupt end was James Henry.
The 30-year-old played last week as Oxford drew against Shrewsbury Town. But, with Alex Rodriguez Gorrin suspended, the former Wolves man played in a deeper midfield role and was unable to make his usual impact.
Henry picked up an injury in the second half against the Shrews and subsequently missed today’s game, and it showed.
Brannagan is a key player this season for Oxford. He made his first start for seven weeks but struggled to make his usual positive impact. The absence of Henry really highlighted this.
Henry has scored ten goals and provided five assists in 22 appearances this season. Those chances were certainly lacking against a Dons side that recorded their first league win in thirteen games.
Next Up: Manchester City
Two weeks ago, many would have fancied Oxford to cause an upset in the last eight of the Carabao Cup. The U’s could have been continuing their impressive run while City struggled against rivals Manchester United, Newcastle United and Shakhtar Donetsk.
But now, the U’s look vulnerable and even a rotated Citizens side would cause numerous problems for Robinson’s side.
The Dons defeat certainly isn’t the end of the world. Indeed, a loss was inevitable at some point. But the performance will certainly frustrate the U’s fans.
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