JOE Skarz remains a doubt for Oxford United ahead of today's clash with Northampton Town.

A back problem has kept the left back out of the last four games and the U’s were confident he would be available for this afternoon.

But with Skarz missing full training earlier last week and a hectic schedule on the horizon, U’s boss Michael Appleton is likely to be cautious.

He said: “The January fixtures are pretty hefty, so we won’t risk it if an extra couple of days means he’s available for New Year’s Eve.”

It could mean the U’s are unchanged from last weekend’s 3-2 win at Bury, with Marvin Johnson operating at left back.

Northampton are waiting on the fitness of centre back Zander Diamond, who has been out with a fractured cheekbone, but JJ Hooper is out (thigh), along with Brendan Moloney (knee).

Oxford Utd: from Eastwood, Edwards, Dunkley, Nelson, Johnson, MacDonald, Lundstram, Ledson, Hall, Maguire, Hemmings, Taylor, T Roberts, Giles, Rothwell, Ruffels, Skarz, Raglan, Carroll, Buchel.

Northampton Tn: from Cornell, Buchanan, Zakuani, Phillips, Nyatanga, Anderson, McCourt, O’Toole, Taylor, Revell, Hoskins, Iaciofano, Richards, Beautyman, Potter, Gorre, McDonald, Smith, Diamond.