WILL Hoskins’ groin tear was a “freak” injury which had nothing to do with his past fitness problems, according to Oxford United chief executive Mark Ashton.

The striker is likely to be on the sidelines until the new year after suffering the problem in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Southend United.

Hoskins joined the U’s in August after 18 months out with a knee injury, but Ashton stressed the new issue was unconnected with the previous injuries.

He said: “It’s totally unrelated.

“The way it’s been described to me by two or three people in the medical industry is it’s a total freak injury.”

The club are waiting to hear from a specialist in the next 24 hours on whether the tendon will heal naturally or requires surgery.

Despite the major setback for both the 28-year-old and the club, Ashton says the player remains in good spirits after speaking to him yesterday.

“I think it summed Will up when he said he was absolutely gutted, not for himself, but for the squad because he wanted to come here and make a difference,” he said.

“But he’s mentally strong and is in a good place.”

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