“BAD NEWS”- Oxford United injury blow ahead of Birmingham clash

Matt Bloomfield has revealed that Oxford United are facing further injury concerns ahead of their home clash with Birmingham City at the Kassam Stadium, with two additional players picking up knocks following last weekend’s victory over Leicester City.

The U’s are already dealing with a lengthy injury list, with six senior players currently unavailable. Those sidelined include Tyler Goodrham, Przemyslaw Placheta, Nik Prelec, Hidde ter Avest, Jamie Donley and Michal Helik.

Bloomfield has now confirmed that the situation has worsened, with one or two more players added to the list in recent days, although he stopped short of naming them.

Speaking candidly, the Oxford boss admitted the growing number of absentees is a concern. He explained that the squad has suffered further setbacks since the Leicester match, leaving injuries beginning to pile up at an unfortunate time.

Despite the frustration, Bloomfield stressed that the team must adapt to the circumstances and remain focused on the task ahead, insisting that the players available are fully committed to securing a positive result.

There is, however, some cautious optimism regarding those already sidelined. Bloomfield indicated that progress is being made with several of the injured players and suggested that they are edging closer to a return. In particular, he highlighted Michal Helik as someone the club are eager to give as much recovery time as possible, underlining the defender’s importance to the side.

While two more players are expected to miss out this weekend, Bloomfield hinted that Helik could yet be involved, depending on how he responds in the final stages before kick-off.

He reassured supporters that the latest injuries are not serious in nature, even though their timing is far from ideal. The hope remains that the squad will soon start to see bodies returning rather than further additions to the treatment room.

Despite the mounting injury issues, Bloomfield suggested the situation is not severe enough to force Oxford into reactive moves in the transfer market. Instead, the club are taking a measured approach as the deadline approaches, although activity is still expected before Monday.

The manager confirmed that there has been interest in some of Oxford’s players, with discussions ongoing behind the scenes.

Bloomfield described the current period as hectic, with conversations taking place constantly, and reiterated his belief that there will be some movement before the window closes.

That said, he was keen to emphasise that the club are not operating out of desperation. If no deals are completed, he remains confident in the strength and balance of the existing squad.

Oxford United welcome Birmingham City on Saturday in what will be their first home meeting with the Blues since 1998. The reverse fixture earlier in the campaign saw Birmingham edge a narrow 1–0 victory at St Andrew’s, courtesy of a decisive strike from Paik Seung-ho..

This time around, the U’s will be aiming to turn the tables and build momentum following last weekend’s impressive 2–1 win over Leicester City.

Bloomfield made it clear that his side are eager to kick on from that result rather than dwell on it. He acknowledged the importance of the performance at Leicester and the satisfaction it brought, but insisted that attention has quickly shifted to the next challenge.

The squad, he said, has returned with a hunger to work hard and chase another positive outcome.

The Oxford boss also revealed that several players have staked strong claims for selection through their performances and application in training, giving him decisions to make ahead of the weekend.

With competition for places intensifying, Bloomfield concluded by reaffirming the group’s determination to deliver another strong display in front of their home supporters.