Struggling Pilgrims depleted again
Plymouth will be without Rene Gilmartin and Curtis Nelson again as they look to pull away from the npower League Two drop zone against Oxford.
French shotstopper Gilmartin has been missing since limping out of the 0-0 draw with Accrington at the end of January with a hamstring injury while Nelson, who also has a hamstring problem, has missed the last two games.
Gozie Ugwu made his debut as a late substitute in the win over Aldershot after recovering from an ankle injury which had sidelined the striker since he made the loan move from Reading.
Fellow forward Nick Chadwick misses out once again through suspension after his red card in early January.
Argyle, unbeaten in four, are in 20th position in the table, only two points clear of the relegation zone.
Oxford's preparations have been dealt a blow with the news that Justin Richards may miss the rest of the season.
The striker damaged a cruciate knee ligament in Saturday's 2-0 defeat to Bristol Rovers and although surgery is not needed, he is still likely to be missing for three months.
The Burton loanee had made five appearances without scoring a goal before the injury struck.
Alfie Potter replaced Richards in the defeat to Fleetwood on Tuesday and he could be given the nod from the start again as the U's look to get back to winning ways.
Deane Smalley came through his return to action for the first time since October unscathed.
United are now just nine points clear of the relegation zone having only won twice in 2013.
Source: PA
