OXFORD United will look to give three teenagers an opportunity to shine after receiving the latest blow in a season plagued by injuries.

Jon Obika is set to miss the rest of the campaign after damaging knee ligaments in a behind-closed-doors victory over Swindon Town on Tuesday.

While the striker had scored just once in 16 appearances this term, United could ill-afford a depletion of their attacking resources.

It leaves Jamie Mackie, who starred in last weekend’s win over Plymouth Argyle but has struggled for fitness so far, and Reading loanee Sam Smith as the only strikers in the squad.

After a move for triallist Nicky Maynard, who has scored three goals in his last two games for Bury, was not sanctioned, no new faces will arrive until the transfer window opens in January.

Instead, boss Karl Robinson will look within the camp for back-up.

“The Nicky Maynard one looks even more ridiculous now, doesn’t it? But that’s life, it is what it is,” he said.

“Harvey Bradbury’s been excellent. Fabio (Lopes) and Slavi (Spasov) as well, so it gives those three an opportunity between now and January.”

Lopes and Spasov have made their first-team debuts aged 16 earlier this season, while Bradbury scored four goals in two starts on loan at Woking.

The 19-year-old, son of former U’s striker Lee, is recovering from a minor hamstring injury, but has impressed since signing in August.

Obika saw a specialist yesterday and is expected to need an operation.

With his contract expiring at the end of the campaign, it almost certainly means the 28-year-old has played his final game for United.

The blow continues a sorry record of serious injuries in the squad.

Rob Hall is missing the season with a similar issue, while Samir Carruthers and Simon Eastwood have recently returned after lengthy lay-offs.

Robinson said: “Jon went into a challenge that was just unlucky. It’s part and parcel of football, unfortunately.

“To have two players in him and Hally to have almost the same injury when you’re only two months into the season, I don’t think too many clubs will have that problem.

“I don’t think you’ll see him in an Oxford shirt this season and his contract’s up in the summer as well, so it’s a double whammy for him.

“We’ll take full control of his medical care and make sure he gets back fully fit. We owe it to him, he’s one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet.”