Mark Watson could miss up to five Oxford United games before Christmas if he decides to re-sign for the club.

Canada have reached the semi-final round of CONCACAF qualifying for the 2002 World Cup finals after beating Cuba 1-0 on aggregate in a two-game play-off.

Watson did not play against Cuba but is expected to return to the Canada side for their qualifier against Trinidad & Tobago in Edmonton on Sunday, July 16, followed by matches against Panama in Winnipeg on Monday, October 9 and against Mexico in Toronto on Wednesday, November 15. It's believed he has been offered a pay-per-play deal by United.

Striker Steve Anthrobus could be another player to miss a large chunk of next season if he plays in Barbados's World Cup qualifying games in August, September, October and November.