A QUARTET of injured players are expected to provide an extra bonus for Oxford United’s run-in as they return to fitness next month.

Injuries have plagued the U’s for most of the season, but there is real hope that within a fortnight, long-term absentee Alfie Potter will be the only player left in the treatment room.

Tony Capaldi, who has been on the sidelines all season, returned to training this month and is making good progress.

Strikers Tom Craddock and Jon-Paul Pittman are nearing a full recovery from hamstring injuries and would provide a significant increase in firepower.

The final member of the group is Simon Heslop, who has been out with heel problem, but is closing in on a return and would add strength in depth to the midfield options.

U’s boss Chris Wilder is keen to have all four players available as the npower League Two season reaches a climax.

He said: “Maybe by the second week in April we’ll have everybody available apart from Alfie.

“We need to keep going and getting through this period, but it would be a fantastic boost if we had those players back for the last month of the season – and maybe a bit more.”