OXFORD United will be without skipper Jake Wright for at least three games due to a hamstring injury picked up in midweek.

The centre back limped out of the 1-0 home defeat to Sky Bet League Two leaders Northampton Town.

It has since been diagnosed as a grade one strain, the least severe, but is likely to rule him out for ten days.

That would see Wright miss Saturday's big home game with fourth-placed Accrington Stanley, plus trips next week to Exeter City and AFC Wimbledon.

Michael Appleton, United's head coach, said: "That’s a blow, not only from a playing point of view, he is a leader and will be missed in the team, there’s no doubt about that."

United's upcoming fixtures

  • Sat, Feb 20: Accrington Stanley (H)
  • Tues, Feb 23: Exeter City (a)
  • Sat, Feb 27: AFC Wimbledon (a)
  • Tues, Mar 1: York City (H)

The injury means Chey Dunkley, who has not started a game since Boxing Day, will come into the side.

Appleton said: "Chey’s not played for a while, but you saw the other night he came straight in and did ever so well.

"It’s an opportunity for him to take."