Oxford United winger Nathan Holland has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after he sustained a hamstring injury during the U’s win over Shrewsbury last weekend.
The 21-year-old joined on loan from West Ham United in January and has scored three times from 12 appearances.
He scored his first U’s goal with a late equaliser during the clubs FA Cup fourth round replay against Newcastle United, before netting a brace in the 5-0 hammering of AFC Wimbledon in League One.
But following scans, the club have confirmed he won’t play any further part for the U’s this season and has returned back to his parent club.
U’s boss Karl Robinson told the clubs official website: “It’s gutting for him. He has done ever so well for us and has a fantastic future ahead of him but the injury means he isn’t likely to be involved again.
“I like him as a lad and who knows, there may be opportunities in the future but we thank him for what he has done in his short time here and will try to keep him involved in what we think will be a really exciting finish to the season.”
Speaking about the injury, Holland added: “I didn’t think it was as bad at first and I am so gutted to have to miss out.
“It has been a great experience at Oxford and I have learned so much from it. I want to thank the Gaffer and the players for the way they have made me feel so welcome and I really want to thank the fans because they have been amazing. They deserve success, so stick with the lads, get behind them in every game and I am sure that the club is only going to keep going forward.”
Holland arrived with an exciting reputation having led the assist charts with seven while scoring twelve goals from just thirteen games in the Premier League 2 for the Hammers.
The U’s sit 3rd in League one following a run of five successive victories and promotion is certainly on the cards. Robinson welcomes his former club MK Dons this weekend who themselves sit just five points above the drop, so the points are as important for them.
