KARL Robinson has provided an update on seven of Oxford United’s injured players.
Djavan Anderson and Kyle Joseph picked up injuries in the midweek draw at Shrewsbury Town, however the former is okay to start this afternoon against Port Vale.
The former Lazio man suffered a suspected broken hand at Shrewsbury, but is fit to start at right back.
United head coach Robinson said: “It’s severely bruised, the ligament in his hand is completely swollen – it’s a decision we had to make yesterday.
“He was adamant regardless of the pain that he wanted to play, he was very comfortable and calm with the decision we made.”
Swansea City loanee Joseph was stretchered off on Wednesday, with United waiting on a second diagnosis as to the extent of his injury.
Robinson said: “Before we have a 100 per cent answer, we’re 80 per cent there.
“The person who is best sourced, we believe to read the scan, is out of office until Monday.
“We’ve had someone else that has read it, we’ve had a little bit of news from that person but we want a second opinion before we become official.
“In my world, it’s not great anyway, we’re just waiting for clarification on what we think it is.”
On the absence of Josh Murphy, Robinson said: “There’s one or two little complications that lie within every player for different reasons.
“I can’t come out here chapter and verse, I have to sometimes keep one or two things internal.
“We’ve just got to make sure the balance is right, we know he’s back on the grass on Monday.
“We’re in a better place than when he came back on the grass last time, and that’s important.”
Robinson added: “Most of them are training this week, Yanic Wildschut’s on the grass now, he’s so close to being there.
“Sam Long was on the grass today, Oisin was back training today and he’s on the grass.”
Sam Baldock seemingly remains a long-term absence, with Robinson saying: “I don’t want to put a time on that one, I’ve put enough time on things with him.
“We’d rather keep that one a little bit more internal, it doesn’t help the fans and I’m respectful of that, but from our point of view, we want to make sure we look after the players.”
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