OXFORD United will welcome back three key players into their squad for Saturday's visit to Gillingham.

Josh Ruffels (shoulder), Alex Gorrin (ankle) and Sam Winnall (calf) are all available for the Sky Bet League One clash in Kent.

Ruffels is the only member of the trio to feature in the league this season, damaging ligaments on the opening day of the campaign at Lincoln City.

He will make a welcome return to a back four which has been stretched by other injuries, with United still unsure if Rob Atkinson can recover from the groin injury he collected in midweek.

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Gorrin, who was hurt against AFC Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup last month, strengthens a midfield which is likely to come under pressure at Priestfield, while Winnall is in line for a debut.

U's boss Karl Robinson said: "We're thankful to have the likes of Ruffs, Alex Gorrin and Sam Winnall back for the weekend.

"They are three big players for us to have back.

"We're still waiting on Rob, but if it is anything he will maybe miss one game maximum.

"It was only a precaution that we brought him off on Tuesday.

"We're leaving a lot of players behind for the first time in a long time."