Oxford United defender Liam Davis will have surgery for the second time this summer today in an effort to cure a groin injury.

Even if the operation is a success, the left back, who did not travel with the squad for their US tour this week, is likely to be ruled out until October.

Davis was troubled by the problem in the final weeks of last season and played through the pain, missing just two league games in the entire campaign.

The 25-year-old went under the knife last month, but after several weeks, it became clear the operation had failed to clear up the problem and a second surgery was needed.

It prompted U’s boss Chris Wilder to sign teenager Sean McGinty on loan from Manchester United last week to act as cover at left back for Tony Capaldi.