MARCUS McGuane could be out for the rest of the season following a setback in his recovery from a thigh injury.

The Oxford United midfielder had just begun training again as he worked his way back from the issue sustained against Bristol Rovers on January 23.

But a scan late last week revealed a complication, leaving U's head coach Karl Robinson fearing the worst.

He said: "He was feeling something else on his thigh, so we scanned it.

"There’s a chance he could be out for the season.

"We’ll know more in the next 48 hours, but it’s disappointing for everybody."

The Nottingham Forest loanee put in several strong performances before he went down early in the visit of Rovers last month.

United won that game and the three that followed, but Robinson feels the U's have missed the 21-year-old's presence.

He said: "I’d argue him, Ruffs, Sam Long and Elliott Moore have been the four outstanding players this year.

"There’s no coincidence that we haven’t looked as good after his injury.

"We haven’t looked our usual self and I think he’s played a massive role in that.

"I still can’t give you the official stance, but as we sit right now we don’t predict seeing him again this season.”