PEP Clotet says he hopes Marvin Johnson will be back at work as quickly as possible after the winger missed today’s 1-0 defeat at Scunthorpe United.

The 26-year-old has been linked with a move away for several weeks and the U’s turned down a bid, reportedly for £1m, from Hull City last week.

In that context, the news Johnson did not travel to Scunthorpe due to a hamstring injury will have been viewed by many as a big coincidence.

But Clotet insisted the in-demand U’s star reported tightness in one of his hamstrings after training on Thursday and did not travel.

The United boss made it clear the club would do all they could to get to the bottom of the injury.

He said: “Everything I do I base it on the facts.

“With Marvin it’s very simple, the facts say he is an Oxford United player and we wanted to bring him but he felt a bit of tightness in his hamstring.

“Obviously it can be dangerous to use him."

Clotet added: “He said he felt it.

“I offered the club’s services to getting him back as soon as possible and if it persists then I will offer our services to get it tested because we want Marvin on the pitch.

“I only analyse the facts and they are he felt this little problem he felt it was difficult for him to train.

“I spoke to the medical staff and they said there was tightness in the muscle, so it’s better to rest him.”

On the ongoing speculation, United have adopted a consistent stance.

Chairman Darryl Eales told a fans’ forum this month it would take an “unbelievable offer” for the U’s to consider Johnson leaving, but this week he indicated it was now too late for a deal.

Clotet reiterated tonight nothing had changed.

He said: “My position is always the same.

"The club stated that Marvin Johnson is not for sale and my position is Marvin Johnson is not for sale.

“I just hope that Marvin feels alright, it was more precautionary and he’s back to work as soon as possible.”