It might have been a frustrating week on and off the pitch for Oxford United but they’ve ended the last seven days still feeling positive.
Despite losing a key defender to injury and defeat against Leeds, U’s fans have seen the return of other players into the squad while the display against the league leaders was promising.
Oxford United Weekly Round-Up: Brown Blow and Leeds Loss
Brown Out for the Season
On Monday, Gary Rowett confirmed that defender Ciaron Brown would miss the remainder of the season.
The 27-year-old came off worse in a challenge against QPR and has since been ruled out with a knee ligament injury.
Speaking to the Oxford Mail, the U’s head coach said: “Browny is the worst news, he’ll be out for the season, which is a big blow for us. We just seem to have got injuries in key moments of the season.
“Maybe it’s one of those seasons where we’ve just got to do it the hard way, and we’ve got to make sure we show that character.
“It’s certainly a big blow for us with Browny. We’ll get behind him and rally round him, and hopefully he’ll be back ready and fit for next season.”
He added: “It’s too early to tell. It’s very doubtful he’s going to play any further part this season, which of course doesn’t necessarily mean you’re out for a long time.
“The best bit about it is we’re not talking about a nine-month ligament injury, which I’ll be honest, when I first saw it, it was my first concern.
“It doesn’t sound like the right thing to say, but it’s good news in some ways.”
Loss Against Leeds
Oxford ended Good Friday with a good performance against league leaders Leeds, but ended the game with a 1-0 defeat.
The U’s battled hard against the Whites but one moment of quality was the difference between the sides at Grenoble Road.
Results earlier in the day mean that Oxford head into their Easter Monday clash at relegation rivals Cardiff five points clear of the drop.
