Oxford have received a boost ahead of their League One game with Rochdale, with Joe Skarz possibly available despite suffering an injury last week.

The 27-year-old had been filling in at centre-back when he was forced off in the defeat to Sheffield United with a suspected torn thigh muscle, but the issue is said to be far less serious than feared.

Transfer deadline day signings Marvin Johnson and Charlie Raglan could be set to make their debuts.After just one win in their opening five games, the U's find themselves just two points above the relegation zone.

Second-bottom Rochdale could hand a debut to their new signing Keith Keane as they look for their first league win of 2016-17.

Keane - who can play at full-back, centre-back or in midfield - joined on loan from Cambridge on deadline day.

Dale will be without Callum Camps as he serves a suspension following his sending off last weekend, and fellow midfielder Matthew Lund, currently with the Northern Ireland squad.

It still remains to be seen when midfielders Ollie Rathbone and Peter Vincenti (ankle) and striker Reuben Noble-Lazarus (ankle) might be fit enough for action.