Oxford United vs Macclesfield Town - Joe Skarz still missing for Oxford

Posted Tuesday, December 13, 2016 by PA

Oxford head coach Michael Appleton will have few decisions to make for the FA Cup second round replay with Macclesfield.

The Sky Bet League One side are on a six-game unbeaten run but will once again be without a host of players through injury and ineligibility.

Defender Joe Skarz is still out with a back problem, while long-term absentees Liam Sercombe, Christian Ribeiro, Sam Long and Wes Thomas also remain on the sidelines.

Charlie Raglan is unavailable under the terms of his loan deal from Chesterfield, with 17-year-old midfielder Canice Carroll returning to the squad as a result.

Macclesfield manager John Askey has no fresh injury problems, with Ollie Norburn (knee) his only long-term casualty.

However, he could be able to turn to fellow midfielder Paul Lewis once again following his return to fitness.

Lewis suffered a gash to his shin during the goalless draw in the first game which kept him out of the 3-0 Vanarama National League win at Wrexham last time out, although a blank weekend for the Silkmen means his absence could amount to just one match.

But Askey will be without cup-tied trio Richard Brodie, Richie Wellens and Ryan Boot.