CURTIS Nelson will be included in Oxford United’s squad for the first time in almost two months this weekend – but he may have to be patient to get back in the side.

The centre back was one of the highest-profile summer signings, but has been sidelined since August with a foot injury.

Tuesday’s Checkatrade Trophy tie at Swindon Town came just too soon for Nelson, but he is all set to return when the U’s host AFC Wimbledon in Sky Bet League One on Sunday.

He will not be in the starting XI, though, with Charlie Raglan – signed on deadline day partly due to Nelson’s absence – having formed an impressive partnership with Chey Dunkley.

United have kept five clean sheets since August, which means head coach Michael Appleton is planning to name the former Plymouth Argyle skipper on the bench.

He said: “Absolutely – he’s watched the side and we’ve only conceded one goal from open play in seven games.

“Ultimately, Curtis is intelligent enough to realise if he was playing in a back four with those type of statistics he would be expecting to play in the next game.”