SAM Long is ‘touch and go’ to be available for Oxford United this weekend – which could lead to a decision being made on Stephan Negru.
Long was taken off shortly before half-time in the 1-1 draw at Plymouth Argyle on Tuesday night due to a foot problem.
Scans have revealed there is no break or fracture, and although Long has made good progress in recent days, there is still uncertainty as to his potential involvement for the visit of Blackburn Rovers on Saturday.
READ ALSO: U’s agree ‘deal in principle’ for winger from Championship rivals
U’s head coach Gary Rowett said: “I think he’s going to be one that’s touch and go for Saturday and subsequently maybe Tuesday as well.
“He felt his foot. He felt he couldn’t push away quickly and was struggling to run. He wasn’t quite sure whether he caught the ground or if it was a kick.
“He left the game in a boot, but I think it’s settled down quite well, and obviously we’re waiting to see. Twenty-four hours could make all the difference, and we’ll assess that one.
“Stephan’s situation was quite clear. We brought him back because of the situation we had at the club in terms of injuries, but also because he’s done really well in League Two at Salford.
“I really like the look of him, so it was can we have a look more in training before we decide on the next step whilst he’s in the building?
“If there’s an opportunity, I wouldn’t hesitate to play him from what I’ve seen so far. But we’ll also make good decisions on players like that as well, that if we don’t think we’re going to play them, then of course we want him to go and play regular football.
“It puts him maybe a step closer to probably where he wants to be, if it’s the case with Longy.”
Joe Bennett and January signing Ole Romeny will potentially be available this weekend, with Bennett recovered from a long-term ankle injury which has ruled him out since the end of August, while Romeny has been getting up to speed having been on the winter break in the Eredivisie.
Rowett said: “Both have been built up quite slowly, but both have felt their way into training over the last week or so.
“Both have done an 11v11 for a 25-minute block, which is something we try and do with the players that haven’t been playing as regularly, and both came through it.
“I have to always assess where I think those types of players are at, and how quickly we can involve them.
“Sometimes those decisions depend on who else is fit and what other bodies we’ve got in those areas.
“I’d always like to make sensible decisions by not rushing people and making sure they’re ready, but also at some point, players want to play and want to be involved.
“I think they’ll both potentially be available, but different considerations for each individual.”