Oxford United have been dealt a huge blow after Will Hoskins was ruled out until January.

The striker was carried off on a stretcher during Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Southend United and an MRI scan shows a tear in a tendon in his groin.

The 28-year-old, who only joined the club a fortnight ago, is likely to require an operation.

U’s head coach Michael Appleton admitted the news is not good.

““It’s obviously a big blow to us and to the player himself.

“Will had started to look sharp and was linking things together at the top of the pitch for us.

“He turned sharply and got his shot in but as soon as he hit the ground you could see it looked like a serious injury.

“We are looking at him being unavailable again until the turn of the year. He is a good pro and we know he will do all he can to get fit again as soon as possible.”

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