Hughes okay for United
Liam Hughes came through his Cambridge return in last week's big win at Burton after a broken wrist and is set to retain his place for Saturday's televised visit of Oxford.
Robbie Simpson also impressed in a holding midfield role in that surprise success as he builds back up to peak fitness along with Kwesi Appiah and Tom Elliott.
Loan signing Tom Naylor still has one match left on his ban from when sent off in last month's loss to Luton, while Tom Champion and Luke Chadwick are yet to return from injury lay-offs.
Issa Diallo is set for an extended spell on the sidelines after the 27-year-old ruptured his Achilles in a recent 1-0 defeat at Wycombe.
Oxford captain Jake Wright looks likely to miss out once more.
The U's skipper pulled out of training last Thursday with a knee problem which saw him miss the win over Newport and despite treatment this week he is very doubtful to feature.
That means Michael Raynes is set to continue alongside Johnny Mullins at the heart of the U's defence.
But at the other end of the pitch Michael Appleton will be forced into a reshuffle with striker Tyrone Barnett suspended for one game after a red card last weekend.
Source: PA
