OXFORD United are nervously awaiting the diagnosis on Simon Eastwood’s grisly injury as boss Karl Robinson considers bringing in loan cover.

The goalkeeper was rushed to hospital after an awkward landing during the warm-up sent bone in one of his fingers through the skin.

It saw him miss the 2-0 defeat to Fleetwood Town – ending his run of 93 consecutive league starts for the club.

But it looks certain he will miss many more recovering from the injury, with Robinson initially fearing it his No 1

could be sidelined for two months.

United are likely to have a

better understanding of how long Eastwood will be out by today.

Scott Shearer deputised on Saturday, but Robinson is weighing up a temporary option.

The U’s already have five loan signings in the squad, the maximum permitted on a matchday, but with one of them – Samir Carruthers – on the sidelines until October there is scope for an addition.

Robinson said: “With Samir being out that allows us another loan.

“It certainly is (the priority position) at this moment.

“Some of the players were nearly physically sick (seeing it) before the game.

“His bone cracked, came out the skin and they had to put it back in and he’s rushed to go and see a plastic surgeon.

“We just hope one or two things can materialise in the next few days in relation to more positive news.

“But you’ve got to accept it is what it is – if he’s out then he’s out.

“We just have to take stock and see what’s out there and what the time-scale would be for Easty.”

Eastwood is one of the hardest members of the squad to replace, but Robinson’s comments would suggest he does not consider Shearer or fellow goalkeeper Jack Stevens as viable alternatives for what could be another dozen games.

Shearer equipped himself well at short notice until the 89th minute, when he upended Wes Burns in the box to gift Fleetwood a penalty, which Paddy Madden scored to make the points safe.

The 37-year-old said: “I came in here to help the young lads

go out on loan, support Easty and be here if he wasn’t available.

“I’m not fazed by playing. I enjoyed the game, but I’m here to do a job.

“If the manager wants me to play, then I’ll play.

“It’s not a nice injury for Easty. Fingers crossed he’s back sooner rather than later.”