THE long-term injuries in Oxford United’s squad are likely to change their recruitment policy during the January transfer window.

In the past week, striker Wes Thomas has been ruled out for the season with a ruptured Achilles tendon, while Liam Sercombe faces up to four months out with a knee problem.

United have had a clear policy of developing young talent, but the double loss of two senior players looks like it will lead to a switch in approach in the short-term.

U’s head coach Michael Appleton said: “There have been a lot of things going through my mind over the last two or three weeks in terms of the type of personnel we need.

“What we have done really well as a club is get players very young and improve them, whether they stay or move on.

“I think sometimes we need to balance that up and we might need one or two experienced players to come and fill a few holes.

“It will be more getting in a couple of characters in who have been there, done it and been used to success because I think it’s important you bring in winners.

“It’s not about bringing a couple of clowns in.

“We want to make sure we’ve got the right characters as well.”

Thomas, 29, went under the knife on Wednesday to repair the damage done during Saturday’s win against Coventry City.

Appleton said: “When he pointed his toes the (two ends of the) tendon was nowhere near touching – it was a complete rupture.

“He’s had the operation and everything seems to be OK.

“Over the next couple of weeks or so we’ll see where he is.”