Oxford United midfielders Jamie Hanson and Anthony Forde have both returned to training this week.
Hanson, the former Derby County man, will be looking to get back to get back to full fitness after nearly three months out.
The 23-year-old, who tore his hamstring in the U’s last defeat at Fleetwood Town at the start of September, is beginning to see some progress.
He told the clubs official website: “It was great to get outside and running again. Amy and the medical team have been fantastic and I have been able to make decent progress but it was a change of scenery to be out on the grass again on Monday.
“It was just straight line running for now, nothing too tough, but it went OK and there was no reaction so hopefully now we start to make real progress.
“The injury was just unfortunate. We were losing and someone broke clear so I raced back to tackle and just felt it go as I got a toe on the ball. I knew what I had done immediately and looked up at the ref to ask how long was left. He said ‘20 seconds’! I will always give it everything but can’t beleieve my luck with that one!
“But it’s going OK now, even if we are still talking a few weeks before I am back: I’ve set myself a little target of Shrewsbury, which is the first week of December, but I’m feeling positive and maybe it will be before that.”
Hanson is one of four long term injury hit players with Malachi Napa, Ben Woodburn and George Thorne also sidelined.
He added: “Malachi is in the treatment room with me every day, Fordy and George Thorne as well, and we are all trying to be positive. Hopefully it won’t be too long until I am back in contention.”
Meanwhile Forde has returned to training and could feature in the squad this weekend.
The winger has been sidelined since suffering a groin strain in the 2-2 draw at Accrington Stanley three weeks ago.
But his progress has been strong and has returned to training. Us boss Karl Robinson told the Oxford Mail: “Fordey’s training today for the first time.
“He’s been with Shorty all week, so this will be the last boxes to tick off today with the 11-versus-11 and see where he’s at.
“But I don’t foresee any problems, he’ll be in the squad on Saturday and is a very welcome addition.”
Oxford will look to extend their unbeaten run to ten games this weekend when Karl Robinson’s side welcome Rochdale in League One.
