MICHAEL Appleton says Oxford United’s injured players will receive treatment round the clock in a bid to get some of the walking wounded back in action for the weekend.

The side’s chances of automatic promotion from Sky Bet League Two hang in the balance after a depleted squad collected one point from the last two games.

It heaps pressure on the final three fixtures, which kick off with a home clash against Hartlepool United on Saturday.

But with eight players struggling through injury and illness, the club’s medical staff face a race against time to see if they can clear any of the group to play in the biggest game of the season.

Appleton said: “We have six or seven players out injured who you could argue would be in the starting XI – that’s how stretched we are.

“The time between now and the weekend is massive, there is no doubt about that. But if they’re not right, they’re not right.

“We’ve got to work ever so hard to get the players ready, icing them round the clock, and see where we get with them.”

He added: “We’re not going to start feeling sorry for ourselves.

“We’ll crack on and see where we are on Thursday.

“It’s not the end of the world, we’re still in that top three.

“Goal difference is keeping us above the line, but we’re going to have to win at least two of the last three games. I think we all know that.”

United’s concerns deepened in the 1-1 draw at Newport County on Tuesday.

Kemar Roofe withdrew in the warm-up after aggravating an ankle injury and is a big doubt for the weekend, while United believed Jordan Evans had broke a rib.

The latter’s absence leaves a hole at left back, with Appleton’s predicament summed up by the head coach suggesting they might consider pushing Joe Skarz back into action having previously ruled him out for the season.

It is United’s youngsters who have been taking the strain, with the side which finished at Newport containing five players aged 22 or under.

The likes of James Roberts and Josh Ashby were blooded last season by Appleton.

He said: “I’m glad I did it now, because it would have been very difficult and they would have been under severe pressure if they hadn’t had that experience.

“It’s late in the day now and they will feel the pressure as much as anyone else. I just hope their youthfulness allows them to think ‘I know what’s at stake, but ultimately I’m just going to express myself’.”

IN THE TREATMENT ROOM

Kemar Roofe Ankle

John Lundstram Ankle

Alex MacDonald Tonsilitis

Callum O'Dowda Tonsilitis

Jordan Evans Rib

Ryan Taylor Groin

Joe Skarz Groin

Sam Long Hip