Oxford United duo Ryan Clarke and Andrew Whing are set to miss the club’s pre-season this summer as they prepare to undergo surgery.

Goalkeeper Clarke will have foot surgery on a troublesome injury, meaning United’s Player of the Season is set to be sidelined for the first month of the 2014-15 season, giving New Zealand Under-20 international Max Crocombe the chance to impress.

Meanwhile midfielder Whing is due to go under the knife tomorrow (Tuesday) for a hip operation in a bid to resolve what has been an injury-plagued season for the former Leyton Orient man.

Yellows manager Gary Waddock explained: “It is a shame but they are both long-term injuries that need to be resolved. Having the operations early in the summer will give them both a little extra recovery time.

“You don’t want to set time scales on these sort of things but they are good pros and we know they will work hard and look to get back soon as possible.

“In Whingy’s case we have Danny Rose, Jon Meades and Josh Ruffels competing for midfield places and Johnny Mullins will be back in pre-season and can play that holding role as well.”

He added: “With Ryan we are very fortunate to have Max Crocombe available. He has had to be patient but deserves the opportunity to have a run of games in the side.

“He is someone we all believe has great ability and real potential.”

Furthermore; United scholar Adriel George has received his first international call up from his native Antigua and Barbuda.

The 17 year-old midfielder, who goes into his second-year as of August, has been named in Antigua and Barbuda’s Under-20 squad for their World Cup qualifiers against the Dominican Republic, Bermuda and Guadeloupe starting in mid-June.

George said: “It’s a great honour. My Mum and Dad are both from Antigua and are very proud that I have been called up. I really enjoyed my football this year and this caps a great first season.

“I am sure this will be a fantastic experience and if I can play a part and help the side qualify then that would be great.”

And lastly, the Us have announced an enticing pre-season friendly against recently crowned Division Three champions Wolverhampton Wanderers in late July.

Oxford will face Kenny Jackett’s newly promoted side at the Kassam Stadium on Tuesday 29th July (19:45pm).