OXFORD United have some notable absentees for today’s game against Doncaster Rovers.

Karl Robinson makes four changes to his line-up and switches formation to 3-4-1-2 as Elliott Moore, Ciaron Brown, Herbie Kane and Mark Sykes drop out.

Centre back James Golding, 17, comes in for his full U’s debut, while Marcus Browne makes his first home start since returning on a permanent deal in January.

UPDATES: Oxford United v Doncaster Rovers - live

Meanwhile, Steve Seddon is involved for the first time since March 12 and Marcus McGuane joins Cameron Brannagan in midfield.

Moore is unavailable as his wife went into labour this morning, while Robinson revealed Kane’s groin injury is more serious than first feared.

The midfielder was substituted at half-time against Rotherham United last Saturday.

U’s head coach Robinson said: “We had some horrendous news yesterday regarding Herbie Kane.

“I can’t say too much but the scan that came back is not good. We’re talking a bad injury.”

Sykes is out of contract this summer and was this week linked with Sky Bet Championship club Bristol City.

When asked about the midfielder’s omission, Robinson said: “I think you know why.”

The U’s boss said in the week he would pick a team with next season in mind and Billy Bodin is the only player in the starting XI not currently contracted beyond this summer.

The forward starts behind Browne and Matty Taylor, with Robinson revealing the formation was also an insight into his plans for 2022/23.

He said: “The shift in formation shows we’re going to be aggressive in this window.

“We want four top strikers here, a left-sided centre back so your back three and front four will be very aggressive.

“We’re starting to build that now and today’s an inquisitive day today.

“We’ve not played against a diamond with this system, but we know we can change our shape quickly.”

Ciaron Brown, Gavin Whyte and Nathan Holland are all due to return to parent clubs after today's game, but Robinson left the door open for some of his loanees returning next season.

He said: “Why can’t we look at some of them being here next year?

"Some of those on the bench bring a very positive attitude to the building.”