OXFORD United face a race against time to get players available after a bout of illness in the squad.

The U’s return to Sky Bet League One action following the international break, by welcoming seventh-placed Blackpool to the Kassam Stadium this weekend.

However, United head coach Liam Manning has revealed there are question marks hanging over a few of his players, although those who are struggling were not named by the former MK Dons boss.

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Manning said: “Unfortunately we’ve picked up a couple of knocks this week and there’s a bit of sickness which is going around.

“We’ve got a few who are struggling for the weekend, so we’ll have to assess and hopefully we can get people in the best shape possible.”

There was though a positive update on winger Marcus Browne, who has been out with a hamstring injury since the end of August.

“It’s not easy to miss such a period of time, but in terms of his character, and how he’s stepped up and got his head down and worked, he’s been outstanding,” said Manning.

“He’s progressing well and long may it continue.”

Despite the news on Browne, the former West Ham United and Middlesbrough attacker remains a longer-term absentee for the U’s.