Sam Long is back for Oxford's EFL Cup clash with Brighton after serving a two-game ban having been sent off against Bristol Rovers this month.

Curtis Nelson is out for around a month with a foot injury in a blow to boss Michael Appleton who had hoped to have the defender back earlier.

Christian Ribeiro will be sidelined for at least three months, again longer than first feared, after he needed an operation on the ankle he fractured during pre-season.

Rob Hall (knee) is edging closer to a return but is unlikely to feature.

Brighton full-back Liam Rosenior is struggling with an ankle knock suffered at Reading on Saturday.

Rosenior was clattered by Royals striker Yann Kermorgant and had to go off, leaving the Seagulls to play the final couple of minutes of the 2-2 draw with 10 men.

Boss Chris Hughton made 11 changes for the first-round win over Colchester and is set to shuffle his pack again, meaning Burnley transfer target Dale Stephens could play after missing out at the weekend.

Defenders Connor Goldson (knee) and Uwe Hunemeier (groin) are still out along with winger Solly March (knee), who is set for a comeback with the under-23 side on Monday night.