It was a mixed bag on the field for Oxford United this week. The U’s picked up all three points with a win over Crewe Alexandra on Tuesday night but suffered a first loss of the season at Bolton Wanderers on Saturday. There have also been some major injury blows for manager Karl Robinson to deal with.
Oxford United Weekly Round-Up: Mixed Results and Injury Concerns
Three Points Against The Railwaymen
Oxford began the week with three points against Crewe. The game was decided by a James Henry penalty in the first half but a trio of knocks halted any momentum for the hosts.
First, Nathan Holland was replaced after just 15 minutes before Ryan Williams, who was filling in as a full-back for the second successive game, also took a knock in the second half. Billy Bodin became the third casualty of the evening with 15 minutes remaining.
Oxford United Injury Concerns
While Holland returned to the bench for the trip to Bolton, Williams and Bodin have been handed a bigger blow. Williams could return next Saturday but will miss the Carabao Cup tie against Queens Park Rangers, while Bodin has been sidelined for up to four weeks.
Goalscorer Henry played the full 90 minutes but missed the match at Bolton after also picking up a hamstring injury. However, like Williams, he could return for the match against Lincoln City. Jamie Hanson and Sam Long are the other two players currently sidelined.
Defeat at Bolton
On Saturday, Oxford tasted defeat for the first time this season with a 2-1 loss at Bolton. The U’s took the lead through Matty Taylor but conceded on the stroke of halftime before Eoin Doyle scored the winner in the second half.
Oxford had plenty of opportunities to add to the scoreline but failed to capitalise during their moments of dominance.
The U’s travel to Loftus Road to take on QPR in the second round of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday evening.
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