OXFORD United defender Rhys Day’s injury nightmare should soon be coming to an end.

The former Aldershot centre back, who has been injured since the start of pre-season with tendonitis in a knee, will return to training next week.

And manager Chris Wilder says he will probably let the 28-year-old go out on loan, when the Welshman has got some measure of fitness, to get him some games.

The U’s have five centre halves, so can afford to do that.

With Damian Batt’s ankle ligament injury, which could keep him out until November, right back is the one position where there is not, at the moment, specialist cover beyond Ben Purkiss, who was signed from York in the summer.

For today’s reserve game at Ipswich (2pm) – which will be played at Portman Road – one of two centre backs, Sam Parrish and Leigh Franks, will probably fill the traditional No 2 shirt. They may even both have a stint there.

Mark Creighton, Dannie Bulman, Richie Baker, Jack Midson and Alfie Potter are among those in a strong-looking side, but Ipswich will be a stern test.

Simon Clist misses the game because of a foot injury.

Wilder said: “Clisty’s got a sore arch on his foot, but it’s nothing serious.”

He added: “Rhys Day will be back to start light training next week, and we might look to get him out on loan.

“The loan transfer window has opened up again, but we haven’t really had many inquiries about taking players.

“And I don’t really want players to go out – most of ours are needed for the bench or are fighting to get on it or in the team. That’s what these reserve games are for.”

Day, who has had a spell at the FA’s National Rehabilitation Centre at Lilleshall, said: “I want to get back in the first team, but first I have to get myself back fit and it’s taken longer than expected.”

This is the second Totesport.com Football Combination League match for the U’s. They drew 1-1 at home to Southend last month.

Oxford Utd Res: Eastwood, Parrish, Franks, Creighton, Kinniburgh, Bulman, Baker, Deering, Potter, Midson, Cole.