OXFORD United have been dealt a double injury blow as both Marcus Browne and Kyle Edwards have been ruled out until the new year.

Browne lasted just 12 minutes upon his return from a hamstring injury during United’s 2-0 win against Grimsby Town in the Emirates FA Cup at the weekend.

The winger had been out since picking up the injury during the 3-1 win at Barnsley back in August.

He replaced Josh Murphy after 68 minutes against the Mariners, but his return lasted just 12 minutes, before he was substituted.

Immediately after the game, U’s head coach Des Buckingham said that Browne was withdrawn as a precaution after feeling ‘a little bit tight’.

READ AGAIN: Marcus Browne withdrawn as a precaution after feeling ‘a little bit tight’

Offering an update this afternoon, Buckingham said: “We’ve sent him for a scan. It’s actually on his other hamstring, so not on the same one he’s been rehabilitating.

“He spent 14 weeks working extremely hard. We’ve sent him for a scan, and I don’t want to put a timeframe on it, but I’d probably say we won’t see him until the new year at least.

“It’s unfortunate, and until we get a little bit more from the scan, we’ll be in a better space to give a clearer picture on how it is.”

Oxford Mail: Marcus Browne charges forward against Grimsby TownMarcus Browne charges forward against Grimsby Town (Image: Mike Allen)

Edwards meanwhile scored two goals in four games after arriving on loan from Ipswich Town during deadline day in the summer.

He suffered a hamstring injury during training at the end of September, but played the final 25 minutes in the 2-0 loss at Cheltenham Town on November 25, Buckingham’s first game in charge of United.

The 25-year-old then played the first half of the goalless draw at home to Bolton Wanderers, but was left out of the matchday squad against Grimsby.

Buckingham said: “There’s a bit of a setback with Kyle as well, so we’ve sent him for another scan, just to make sure we’re clear on what that is.

“He’s probably another one we’re not going to see until the new year as well, so not great news for both of those and for the group.

“We’ve seen the impact that both of them have, and how good they can be when they play in this league and in this system.

“We’ll work with them to make sure we get them back to where they need to be, and I’m sure they’ll have a good impact.

“It’s important now we make use of our squad and that the other players step up and get opportunities, so we continue doing what we have been doing.”