It was an unusual week both on and off the field for Oxford United with seven first-team players isolating after testing positive for coronavirus, along with a further four missing through injury. Despite the lack of players, the U’s picked up four points from their two league games in difficult circumstances.
Oxford United Weekly Round-Up: Four Points Gained Despite Limited Squad
Goalkeeping Drama Before Fleetwood Match
There was plenty going on ahead of Oxford’s match against Fleetwood on Tuesday night. Without a goalkeeper due to the club’s injury and covid crisis, Mackenzie Chapman was recalled from his loan spell with Banbury United.
However, just an hour before kick-off, the club announced the emergency signing of Birmingham City’s Connal Trueman. The 25-year-old, who has played 13 times in the Championship for the Blues, went straight into the starting line-up.
Win Over the Cod Army
Despite the covid and injury-ravaged squad, Oxford bounced back from their recent FA Cup exit and Wigan Athletic cancellation to take all three points against bogey team, Fleetwood Town.
Early goals from Luke McNally and Cameron Brannagan calmed any early nerves, and despite Fleetwood finding the net before the break, a sensational solo effort from Nathan Holland sealed the win for the U’s.
Depleted Oxford United Squad Earn Point Against League Leaders
On Saturday, Oxford’s depleted squad took to the field again with league leaders Rotherham United the visitors.
The Millers headed to Grenoble Road as the division’s top scorers along with conceding the fewest goals. However, the U’s kept them at bay and earned a valuable point after the match ended goalless.
Karl Robinson can welcome back the seven players that missed this week’s action after returning positive covid tests ahead of their trip to Sunderland next weekend. He is also boosted by the return from injury of Sam Winnall and Ryan Williams.
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