JOSH Murphy is a doubt for Oxford United’s opening game of the season next weekend.

The 28-year-old winger has picked up a knock but is expected to return to training ahead of the Sky Bet League One curtain-raiser away to Cambridge United.

Murphy hasn’t been selected for the last three pre-season fixtures after the problem occurred during the 5-1 win against Barnet on July 18.

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Head coach Liam Manning confirmed there is an anxious wait to find out if Murphy will be available for Cambridge, while midfielder James Henry has retuned to training after illness.

Manning said: “James Henry trained and it was just a sickness thing, there’s nothing in terms of injury-related.

“Murphs has got a small twinge and we’re expecting him back in training next week hopefully.”

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Asked whether Murphy would return in time for the first game of the campaign, Manning responded: “It’s tight, it’s extremely tight, but at the back end of the week, we might see him in a session.”

Murphy joined United last July after leaving Cardiff City, and went on to make 24 appearances for the club during the 2022/23 season.

Fitness concerns hampered his debut campaign with the U’s, however he showed glimpses of his undoubted talent, particularly in the wins over Cheltenham Town and Forest Green Rovers at the end of the season.

About the author

To sign up to Liam’s latest Oxford United newsletter for free, click here: https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/newsletters/

Formerly the politics reporter for the Oxford Mail, Liam now covers all things Oxford United.

Liam attends the U’s home and away, as well as covering other big sports stories across the county.

His Oxford United newsletter is released every Saturday morning at 6am.