MATTY Taylor admits losing Sam Baldock to injury is a big blow for Oxford United.

The 32-year-old striker is set to miss several weeks with a 'significant' knee issue he sustained in the 4-1 win over Burton Albion last Saturday.

Baldock impressed against the Brewers before he was substituted early in the second half, scoring twice and seeing another goal ruled out for offside.

READ MORE: Sam Baldock sidelined with 'significant' knee problem + injury round-up

The former West Ham United man has struck up an instant relationship with Taylor, the duo bagging a combined eight goals in the four games they have started together.

With just nine games of the season remaining and the U's firmly in the Sky Bet League One promotion race, the No 9 acknowledged Baldock will be a big loss.

Taylor said: “Sam’s been on fire, not just his goals and assists but his all-round play and work rate.

“It feels like I’ve been playing with him for years, it just clicked instantly.

“It’s a huge miss, but someone else has got to step in, we’ve got a huge squad here.

“I’d be lying if I said it’s not a huge miss because we work so well together.

“Hopefully we can get him back sooner rather than later.”

Head coach Karl Robinson added: "We've played a bit of a different system (since Baldock came in), so we’ll have to see what we go with.

“Those two were so bright and you could see they really enjoyed playing with each other.

“It’s a frustrating aspect to it, but we’ve just got to make sure we’re ready.”