OXFORD City’s fitness problems have increased ahead of tonight’s trip to Whitehawk in Vanarama National League South, with defender Matt Bevans and winger Marlon Jackson ruled out.

Bevans is suffering from tonsillitis, while a calf injury sidelines Jackson.

City are already without Ander Del Alamo, Matt Whichelow, Conor McDonagh, Declan Benjamin and Kaylem Patterson through injury, while defender David King is suspended.

“Strength and conditioning is something we’ll have to look at, because injuries have been a big factor,” said general manager Justin Merritt.

Julen Lafuente was forced off with a tight groin in Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Hayes & Yeading United, while Kynan Isaac has been struggling with a knee problem, but both are expected to feature.

The gap between City and the play-off positions could be reduced to one point with victory, but Merritt believes a top-five finish is unlikely.

“I think we’re just short of being a play-off side, in all honesty,” he said.

“The reason for that is because we’re probably not quite effective enough as a team.”

Oxford City squad (v Whitehawk, away): from Walker, Stonehouse, Henderson, Arzamendi, Lapoujade, Santiago, Fleet, Pond, Lafuente, Bubb, Pifarré, Isaac, Hunte, Peake-Pijen, Awadh.

l KIDLINGTON, the new Uhlsport Hellenic League Premier Division champions, travel to Flackwell Heath for their final away game.

Kidlington (v Flackwell Heath, away): from Warrell, C Weedon, Brownhill, Owen, Franklin, Gabbidon, E Odhiambo, A Odhiambo, Brooks, Coyle, Castle, Thomas, Willoughby, Quainton, Deabill, Flanagan, B Weedon.