Oxford United defender Johnny Mullins has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a suspected stress fracture of the metatarsal.

The 28-year-old centre-half sustained his ankle injury in the Yellows’ 3-0 defeat to Division Four high-flyers Chesterfield on March 15, meaning he’ll be sidelined for at least six weeks.

The former Rotherham United captain has made 41 appearances for the Us this season, scoring four times, but hasn’t played since United’s defeat away to the Spireites earlier this month.

It is a huge blow for United who currently lie sixth in the bottom-tier, as defender Mullins will miss his side’s final run-in to the end of the season and any subsequent play-off phases.

New Oxford manager Gary Waddock said: “He is an important player for this club and a good player at that.

“We will miss him now for the remaining fixtures and we wish him a speedy recovery but it is part and parcel of football that you get injuries.”

Mullins told the clubs official website: “I’m gutted not to be able to play a part in the last few games. The lads are in a great position and I’d love to be involved.

“I’ll still be around the club doing what I can and I’m confident that the lads will kick on and get us to where we need to be.”