Oxford captain Moore facing spell on sidelines

Oxford United captain Elliott Moore will be out for at least the next "three or four games", says head coach Gary Rowett.

The U's defender had to go off during the New Year's Day win at Millwall and missed last weekend's draw at Preston North End because of a muscle injury.

"There's a little issue in there and we think it'll be another few weeks before we know where it's at," Rowett told BBC Radio Oxford.

"It might be we don't know (the full extent) until after the window shuts so we'll have to have a think about that but he'll definitely be unavailable for the next three or four games."

Oxford have recalled defender Stephan Negru from his loan at League Two Salford City but Rowett is yet to decide whether to use him as cover for Moore's absence.

"It allows us to have a closer look at him but there has been some interest from higher up with League One clubs but certainly with Elliott out injured it's nice to have him back," he added,

"The challenge of the weekend is if he plays for us he can only then go back to Salford so we'll work out what's best for him in the next week or two."

Oxford visit Exeter City in the FA Cup third round on Saturday.