Oxford United's plans were thrown into total disarray last night when director of football Ian Atkins revealed Richard Knight had aggravated his shoulder injury, leaving the U's without a fit keeper for the trip to Rochdale on Saturday.

With regular keeper Ian McCaldon out for between three and four weeks after injuring his thigh during the victory over Swansea last Saturday, it was hoped Knight would recover in time to take his place between the sticks.

But although the former Derby man was due to line up for the reserves in their Avon Insurance Combination clash at Barnet yesterday afternoon, United's 2001 player-of-the-season suffered a relapse of the injury in training on Tuesday and will not be fit for the trip north.

The news comes as a big blow to Knight, who would have been hoping to use McCaldon's absence as an opportunity to stake his claim for the goalkeeper's jersey on a long-term basis.

He has made just one start this season - the first game of the campaign at home to Rochdale.

With both permitted loans used up - Matthew Bound and Dave Morley - it means that United must now go to the Football League and request special dispensation to sign a keeper on loan until their injury crisis clears.

"Knighty has injured the base of his shoulder and will not be fit for Saturday," Atkins confirmed last night.

"He felt it again in training on Tuesday, and has possibly made the problem even worse.

"We are not quite sure how long he will be out for because it's one of those funny things.

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