GARY Rowett is optimistic that the hamstring injury which forced Elliott Moore off in Oxford United’s defeat at Hull City will not be a serious one.
The U’s skipper was withdrawn just after the hour mark, with the game still goalless, and was replaced by Ben Nelson at the heart of the defence.
Moore only recently returned from an adductor problem at the beginning of the month, having suffered that injury during the victory at Millwall on New Year’s Day.
United head coach Rowett was already without Cameron Brannagan and Tyler Goodrham for the trip to the MKM Stadium last night.
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Rowett said: “He felt his hamstring. We had Cammy feel his knee a little bit, and Tyler Goodrham was ill, so not an ideal couple of days, but we’ll assess that over the next few days to see how bad that is.
“I don’t think it’s necessarily a really poor hamstring pull or anything. We felt maybe it’s a little bit more nerve based.
“The injuries are certainly not helping us at the moment, but it is what it is, and we’ve got to get through that.”
Nelson was back in the U’s squad for the first time since suffering a quad injury during the reverse meeting against the Tigers back in November.
Rowett said: “Ben is a natural centre half and has performed well previously in that position. I’m looking forward to seeing him and working with him.”
