Oxford University head coach Murray Henderson has given his injured players a November 22 deadline to prove their Varsity Match fitness.

That is the date the Dark Blues host Saracens in their penultimate warm-up game and Henderson requires all potential Twickwenham selections to be in action by then.

Oxford face Sale Sharks and the Major Stabley’s XV before then, but Henderson does not want to be making any last-minute alterations “Against Stanley’s we may have one or two still not back,” said Henderson.

“But we want everyone back for the Saracens and North-ampton games.

“Everyone is looking to play against Saracens. If you play in that game, then you are going to be close to the Varsity Match side.

“Guys like Jamie Gilbert have got to come in and earn their place.”

Canadian back-row forward Stan McKeen is among those recovering from injury after suffering a recurrence of a hamstring problem while on international duty.

He was put through his paces after Monday’s 22-17 defeat to Cardiff Blues.

Henderson said: “If we don’t get those more experienced guys back, these young players are the ones who are going to be playing against Cambridge in the Varsity Match.

“I think the supporters are seeing a lot of heart and character and that is going to take us to Twickenham.”

Reflecting on the Cardiff defeat, Henderson felt his side were unlucky not to get at least a draw.

“It is a bit of as shame, especially with a young team out there,” said Henderson.

“We took them to five points and could have won it, so it was a bit frustrating.

“The boys are working hard on their maul defence and you could see the results out there.

“It would just just be nice to have a few less injuries.”

Meanwhile, Sale have indicated to Oxford that they would like to field a strong side on Monday night.

But Henderson stressed he did not want to face too strong a line-up, particularly with the Dark Blues having limited front-row resources Henderson said: “We can’t let them bring down all their big guns. I am afraid Sale will just have to listen to us.

“Our guys have the biggest game of their lives on December 9 and for us Sale is a step to that end.

“Sale will just have to be aware that this is a great game for their academy players.”