Injury problems mount for Port Vale

Posted Friday, November 03, 2017 by PA

Port Vale manager Neil Aspin has a number of injuries to contend with for the FA Cup first round visit of Oxford.

Midfielder Ben Whitfield (ankle) remains sidelined as do goalkeepers Rob Lainton (ankle) and Sam Hornby and defender Kjell Knops.

Defender Joe Davis (thigh) and forward Tyrone Barnett (groin) are also out after sustaining injuries in training while goalkeeper Kelle Roos (knee) remains a serious doubt.

However, striker Anton Forrester returned to action with a goal for the reserves last week and could be in contention for a first-team recall.

Oxford manager Pep Clotet does not expect to make wholesale changes for the trip.

Left-back Ricardinho is pushing for a recall after missing the 2-0 defeat at Fleetwood with a calf problem, while winger Rob Hall is also available after recovering from a groin strain.

"I know everyone wants to get involved, but we will take the same approach as we have had in the league so I don't expect many changes," Spaniard Clotet said.

"For us it is an important game and we want to put the bad result we had at the weekend behind us."