Three Oxford City players were taken to hospital last night after their car collided with a tree and burst into flames on the way to training.

Nick McCrae, Shaun Wimble and Chris Organ were travelling along the A420 near Faringdon when McCrae's car hit a tree after swerving to avoid a broken down vehicle.

All three managed to scramble clear before the car exploded. They were taken to Princess Margaret Hospital in Swindon.

Organ underwent surgery on a broken eye socket, a broken nose and facial injuries. He was allowed home this morning, as was Wimble, who has knee ligament damage.

McCrae is being kept in with severe concussion.

City manager Paul Lee said: "It is a big blow, but my main concern is the health of the players. This sort of thing puts the game into perspective.

"They are unlucky that they hit a tree but they are lucky they got out before it exploded. "We don't know when they will be back playing again. It may take several weeks."

City already have a lengthy injury list, including Andy Smith, Michael Thorp, Mark Druce, Steven Gray and Matty Haywood.