Oxford duo poised to return for Hartlepool clash
Callum O'Dowda and Alex MacDonald have returned to training for Oxford on Thursday before their Sky Bet League Two encounter against Hartlepool.
The pair missed the Us' last two games with tonsillitis but could feature this weekend as Michael Appleton's side look to maintain their promotion hopes following just one win in their last five league matches.
Kemar Roofe and John Lundstram are also expected to train on Friday following ankle problems. Roofe exacerbated his injuryin the warm-up before Tuesday's game against Newport.
Sam Long is also due back in training next week after a groin problem but defender Jordan Evans, who is on loan from Fulham, suffered a cracked rib at Newport and is out for the season.
Hartlepool boss Craig Hignett made five changes for Tuesday night's 2-1 home defeat to Accrington Stanley as he took a look at some of his fringe players and may do the same again.
Carl Magnay, Nicky Featherstone, Michael Duckworth, Lewis Hawkins and Luke James sat out in midweek as Jordan Richards, Brad Walker, Josh Laurent and Rakish Bingham were given a chance.
Striker Billy Paynter remains a doubt after missing the last four games with a hamstring problem, although Scott Fenwick has returned early from his loan spell at Tranmere and could be in contention.
Harry Worley continues to work his way back to fitness after an ankle injury, but fellow defender Scott Harrison will miss the rest of the season after fracturing a metatarsal in training on Monday.
Source: PAR
