INJURIES have impacted Oxford United’s season, of that there is no doubt.

Regulars over the last few years such as Elliott Moore and Matty Taylor have spent time on the sidelines, while U’s fans are yet to see much of big name signings Josh Murphy and Yanic Wildschut.

Add to that Sam Baldock, arguably the best player in a United shirt during his spell in the side after arriving in February, and the club can argue it’s cursed with injuries.

However, football is very much a squad game and even without the above players, there is enough quality in the U’s ranks to be doing better than where they are now.

Perennially slow starters in recent seasons, Karl Robinson’s side usually recovers, making the play-offs in two of the past three campaigns.

Therefore, it is not the time to worry. The table is still taking shape, and the U’s are not the only side below where they’d want to be.

Last weekend’s opponents Charlton Athletic and this weekend’s visitors Wycombe Wanderers, plus MK Dons, have all made ponderous starts.

Robinson has given little away on the likes of Murphy and Baldock, and rightly so, as they’ll be dangerous weapons when unleashed.

When those players do return, expect better things from United.

The injury card can’t be played then.