The 32-year-old defender has joined the Minstermen until January after being without a club since being released by Burnley at the end of last season.
Fellow newcomer Charlie Taylor could also be involved having arrived on a month's loan from Leeds United. But former Scotland international striker Scott Dobie won't be considered yet until getting up to proper fitness levels.
Defenders Chris Doig (hamstring) and David McGurk (thigh) are sidelined along with Scott Kerr, Oli Johnson and Jamie Reed.
"Oxford are a good side. I went to watch them at Leeds in midweek and they looked lively," said York manager Gary Mills to The Press.
"I can see why they have won three games but, if we play how we can, we can beat them.
"It will be a testing week with games against Oxford, Rotherham and Chesterfield but, without meaning any disrespect, that's better than having Barrow, Ebbsfleet and Hayes and Yeading.
"We want to enjoy the challenge of League Two football."
Oxford went out of the Capital One Cup to Leeds in midweek and could be without a number of players.
Michael Duberry, Andy Wing, Peter Leven, Liam Davis and Harry Worley, plus on loan Swindon Town midfielder Lee Cox, are all unavailable.
But Tommy Craddock, Deane Smalley and Jack Forster-Caskey could return along with on loan Arsenal centre-back Daniel Boateng.
Source: FOOTYMAD
