KARL Robinson insists Oxford United will avoid postponing matches regardless of the results of today’s coronavirus tests.

The U’s squad were swabbed this morning as part of a round of mandatory testing across all 72 English Football League (EFL) clubs.

It comes after Wigan Athletic yesterday became the latest Sky Bet League One side to postpone their next two matches because of players and staff self-isolating, meaning 23 third-tier games have been called off in the last three weeks.

That includes United’s clash with Doncaster Rovers, which was set to take place tomorrow, due to five visiting players testing positive for the virus after Christmas.

It means the U’s are not back in action until the Papa John’s Trophy tie against Cambridge United next Tuesday, while their next league game is at Northampton Town on January 16.

Even if some players return positive tests this week, Robinson feels United have been strict enough with social distancing precautions to prevent calling games off.

The U’s head coach said: “I can’t foresee everybody testing negative in the world we live in.

“If that’s the case, we will carry on with whoever we’ve got available.

“Our protocols will protect the players and we’ll see where we are from there.”

On Wednesday, Robinson told BBC Radio 4 he feared some clubs had become sloppy at following Covid regulations and called for the EFL to step up spot-checks.

Karl Robinson: some clubs have become sloppy with Covid rules

The league last week issued teams with new rules aiming to prevent the spread of the more easily-transmitted new strain of the virus at training grounds.

The measures, which include players being told to arrive in their kit and only visiting medical rooms if they have an appointment, aim to minimise time spent indoors.

Robinson also revealed United were hoping to put up a marquee outside as a makeshift gym, due to people being urged not to congregate in communal areas.

Despite the growing number of postponements, the EFL has said it has no plans to suspend the season at this stage.

Read also: Oxford United boss thrilled with side's energy at Burton Albion

With the U’s on a four-match winning run, Robinson hopes they are not forced to stop.

He said: “The first lockdown happened when we were off the back of five straight wins (in March), so we don’t want it to stop just yet.

“I don’t think we’re afraid to stand up to what people perceive are bigger clubs.

“We just hope we can keep winning games of football.”