OXFORD United are facing a selection headache later this month with the prospect of five players missing the Easter period due to international call-ups.

It could prompt the club to dip into the loan market for cover, especially as it comes alongside fitness concerns over defensive duo Jake Wright and Sam Long.

Earlier this week Callum O’Dowda was named in a provisional Republic of Ireland Under 21 squad for Euro 2017 qualifiers against Italy and Slovenia.

It will see him miss Good Friday’s home game against Stevenage and the trip to Cambridge United on Easter Monday – crucial games in the context of United’s promotion push.

AJ George is in the Antigua & Barbuda squad for Caribbean Cup qualifiers, while Benji Buchel may be away with Liechtenstein.

On top of the trio, full backs Jonjoe Kenny and Jordan Evans are expected to be picked in under 19 squads for England and Wales respectively.

It leaves Appleton with a headache, which may force United into seeking some short-term cover.

“There’s a possibility of doing that, definitely,” the U’s boss said.

“It has to be the player’s decision (whether they join up with the squad).

“Theoretically it’s got nothing to do with me, but it could affect them when they return because we’ve got two games where people could do well.”

“We want to make sure we have people who can play in the positions we’re going to lose.”

Clubs in Sky Bet League One and Two can postpone fixtures if they have three players away on international duty.

It would not be ideal given the lack of time remaining in the season, but United do not believe it is an option anyway.

Kenny and Evans are both on youth loans, which do not count, while Appleton believes Buchel will similarly not be eligible as Liechtenstein have a training camp with informal friendly matches against Gibraltar and the Faroe Islands.

Buchel, who is nursing a side strain, hinted he may turn down an approach if required.

The goalkeeper said: “I’m going to speak to the management if I go or not.

“It depends on how many players are called up.”

The main issue is at right back in the absence of Kenny.

Long is the only senior replacement, but he remains troubled by a hip problem, for which he had a second scan this week.

The defender’s absence also leaves United without cover at centre half, with doubts arising over Wright’s hamstring injury.

Appleton admits they have defensive targets in mind, but with the loan window not closing until March 24, a decision on whether United bring someone in will not be rushed.