OXFORD United captain Curtis Nelson will miss the rest of the season with a ruptured Achilles tendon.

The centre back was stretchered off just before half-time during Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Northampton Town in Sky Bet League One.

United’s early diagnosis was not positive and Nelson went for an initial scan this morning, which confirmed the injury.

The 24-year-old, who has made 62 appearances for the club since signing from Plymouth Argyle last summer, will undergo a second test before having surgery later this week.

United boss Pep Clotet said: “It is a blow for us, but also obviously a huge blow for Curtis who was playing so well and has been a fantastic captain for us this year."