JOE Bennett is available again for Oxford United after a calf injury ruled him out of the last four games.

The 33-year-old left back was taken off during first half stoppage time of United’s 1-0 defeat at home to Barnsley on January 23.

He hasn’t played since, however U’s head coach Des Buckingham has confirmed Bennett is in contention for a return to the squad ahead of tonight’s game against his former club Wigan Athletic.

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Oisin Smyth meanwhile has missed the last two matches due to injury, and is set to return for the home clash against Northampton Town next week.

Buckingham said: “Joe is available for the squad. Fin [Stevens] won’t be too far away, but I don’t want to put a time on him right now. It’s not a long one though.

“Oisin is back on the grass on Thursday, so Saturday will probably come too soon, but maybe Tuesday the week after.

“With all of them, it’s going to be a case of managing their minutes, and as much as we might want them to play the full 90 and start some, we’ve still got 15 games to play, and we want them available for all of them.”