Dan Church

Oxford United striker Justin Richards is set to miss the rest of the season with a knee injury. The Us fear the former Burton Albion forward will join Peter Leven and goalkeeper Ryan Clarke on the sidelines until the end of the campaign after he torn his cruciate ligament in the 2-0 home defeat to Bristol Rovers on Saturday.

The 32 year-old will have a second scan this week to confirm the extent of the injury, which could lead the big forward to be out for up to six months. It heaps more misery on United after midfielder Leven underwent knee surgery earlier this month, ruling him out for up to eight weeks, alongside long-term absentee Clarke who misses out through double shoulder surgery.

Richards was brought to the Kassam Stadium in the January transfer window, initially on-loan from Burton Albion before making his move permanent on a free transfer after the Brewers mutually agreed to cancel the remainder of his contract at the Pirelli Stadium. The striker’s loss is another blow to United’s strike force with Deane Smalley just returning to the set-up and Tom Craddock still recovering from a recurring groin problem.

Despite having not scored since his move, he has been a key member of the squad since his arrival, partnering James Constable up front. Leven will be sorely missed having made 25 appearances for the club so far this year, contributing with six goals.

Additionally, matters on the field haven’t lifted the spirit as the Us went down 2-1 to Fleetwood Town last night, thanks to goals from Ryan Crowther and Junior Brown. Liam Davis’ stunning drive pulled one back for United late on, but couldn’t help Oxford suffer their third consecutive defeat in Division Four.