KARL Robinson says Oxford United will find a way to cope with an extraordinary pile-up of injuries.

They have nine senior players in the treatment room – seven of them in midfield.

More bad news came yesterday, with confirmation Anthony Forde had broken four ribs and punctured a lung on Saturday.

While he is due to be released from the John Radcliffe Hospital later this week, United are not putting a timescale on when he can return.

It is safe to presume though it will be well into the new year before the Irishman can return.

Also read: Oxford United bidding to continue FA Youth Cup run tonight

But head coach Karl Robinson is attempting to stay positive amid the problems.

“We’re about to enter Christmas with this crazy injury crisis, but we’ll deal with it,” he said.

“We’ll roll with the punches and I won’t get too down with that.

“I remember saying in pre-season we liken it to a rollercoaster, with the constant twists and turns.

“You have to take everything in your stride.

“We’ve not got carried away at any stage when things were going great and we’re not going to get too down when things don’t go quite right.

“I feel very fortunate to manage this group of men.”

He added: “I can’t believe the bad luck we’ve had with injuries.

“Our injury record this year is worse than last season.”

The timing is bad for United, who need results over the busy festive period to stay in the Sky Bet League One promotion picture.

Also read: Oxford United team of the decade vote - goalkeepers

There is also the Carabao Cup quarter-final with Manchester City next week, which Robinson would have loved to have gone into with a full-strength side.

He will at least have Alex Gorrin available again after suspension for Saturday’s trip to Milton Keynes Dons.

And there is the hope of at least one more player being available.

“We’re hoping maybe Cameron (Brannagan) and Shandon (Baptiste) will be touch and go for next Saturday,” said Robinson.

“I know the fans will stick with the players and I know we’ll take a good following to Stadium MK.”

Ben Woodburn, sidelined since early October with a broken bone in his foot, could also be back in the frame for the home game with Wycombe Wanderers on December 21.

It is among the big games which Forde will now miss, but the winger is just pleased with the medical care he has received.

He said: “I want to thank the pitch-side medical team for their help and then everyone, from the ambulance team to the doctors and staff at the JR have been amazing.”