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Oxford United are gearing up for their second consecutive season in the Championship following their unlikely survival in the last campaign.
The U’s were not given much chance in the second tier of English football, but after the appointment of Gary Rowett, the club did not look back as he guided them comfortably to safety.
Oxford United’s manager will now show all his intelligence in acquiring new talent from the transfer market, knowing that the club are not one of the financial behemoths of the Championship.
The club will once again aim to secure their survival in the division, with anything after that being seen as a bonus, while hoping not to get dragged into a relegation dogfight.
Oxford have already made moves in the transfer market to strengthen their squad ahead of the upcoming season, with Brodie Spencer being a notable acquisition from Huddersfield Town.
However, the club may be forced to dip back into the market for an unforeseen reason and in a position they thought they were secure in.
- READ MORE: Oxford United’s five most expensive signings include an Indonesian international and EFL legend
Injury concern around Ole Romeny
Oxford United broke their transfer record and the £1 million barrier to bring in Ole Romeny to the club from Utrecht, with the striker failing to light it up so far in front of goal, scoring just one goal in his 14 appearances in the Championship.
There were hopes he could find his feet in pre-season this summer; however, this is not going to happen now after he suffered an ankle injury in a friendly, with the striker set to miss the beginning of the Championship campaign.
Gary Rowett has let his feelings be known about the striker picking up the injury in Indonesia, as he spoke with the Oxford Mail.
He said: “The update is it’s not particularly good. He’s now recovering. I don’t expect him to be back anytime soon.
“That’s a blow to us in terms of an injury in pre-season. You’ve got quite a few others. I think at one stage, we had about 12 players missing after the tournament, which is never ideal, but I think hopefully that’s probably the only one I can see being out for a little bit longer than a short period of time, so hopefully we’ll get one or two others back.
“I would imagine that certainly he won’t be available for the start of the season, I would anticipate maybe a little bit further beyond that.”
Oxford United’s options up front
As Oxford United are not flowing with cash, Gary Rowett may have to look within his squad to find a player to deputise for Ole Romeny due to the injury.
Tom Bradshaw is the first name that springs to mind as a replacement for Romeny; however, he only featured five times last season.
Siriki Dembélé is another option that can operate up front for Oxford, but Rowett confirmed that he is currently ruled out with an injury.
The only real option Rowett has at his disposal at present is Mark Harris, with the 26-year-old able to play up front; however, he only netted six times across last season, so unless the club dip back into the market before Romeny returns, they will need him to step up.