Oxford United manager Karl Robinson has confirmed that midfielder Cameron Brannagan could return to action as early as next week.
The 23-year-old, who has been sidelined since picking up a knee injury during the win over Rochdale towards the end of October, could play a part when Shrewsbury Town visit Grenoble Road next weekend.
But the U’s boss feels his progress may be better suited to return at MK Dons the following week.
“Hand on heart, I expect him to start away at MK”, Robinson told the Oxford Mail.
“But what’s important? (Playing) one game and maybe a reoccurrence, or just leave him out for that?
“He’s out running and kicking balls and still has some pain on striking the ball, but it’s healing at a rapid rate.”
Brannagan, who has scored seven goals this season, is part of a large number of sidelined players.
George Thorne, who suffered a shoulder injury during the Carabao Cup win over West Ham United, has returned to training, while Ben Woodburn continues his recovery following a broken foot sustained during the U’s last defeat at Fleetwood.
Shandon Baptiste, who picked up a groin injury during the warm ahead of the Southend win, could also return against the Shrews.
Meanwhile, Jamie Hanson, who has been sidelined for three months, could also return against Shrewsbury, and with Alex Rodriguez Gorrin suspended, the timing couldn’t be better.
Robinson added: “We’re hoping Jamie Hanson will be fit for Shrewsbury as well because obviously Alex Gorrin is suspended.
“In that game, we could have six midfield players out – if that isn’t an injury crisis I don’t know what is.”
