Michael Appleton is confident a sickness bug which has affected the Oxford United squad will not have an impact on selection against Carlisle United today.

A couple of players missed training last week and it was still causing problems on Tuesday night, when several vomited at half-time against Northampton Town.

United, who won the game 3-1, have been careful to avoid it spreading any further, and Appleton does not believe it will rule anyone out at Brunton Park.

The U’s head coach said: “To get through the game like some of them did after being as ill as some of them were is testament to their character.

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“There may be issues that arise, but I’ll be surprised if any of the players who played on Tuesday night don’t declare themselves fit for Carlisle.”

It is likely to mean an unchanged line-up, but there will be a switch on the bench.

Carlton Morris has ended his loan from Norwich City early, and his place is likely to be taken by Alex Jakubiak.

Will Hoskins (groin) is the only absentee for the visitors, but Carlisle, who go into the game after back-to-back defeats, have greater injury problems.

Goalkeeper Mark Gillespie (groin), defender Troy Archibald-Henville (knee), midfielder Steven Rigg (hip) and striker Billy Paynter (calf) are all expected to miss out.

TODAY'S SQUADS

Carlisle Utd: from Hanford, White, Thirlwell, Meppen-Walters, Grainger, Potts, Dicker, Dempsey, Robson, Beck, Asamoah, Brough, Iliev, Marrow, O'Hanlon, Elliott, Eccles, Amoo.

Oxford Utd: from Clarke, Riley, Mullins, Wright, Holmes-Dennis, Rose, Whing, Collins, Potter, Hylton, Barnett, Roberts, O'Dowda, Jakubiak, Ruffels, Meades, Raynes, G Long.

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