PEP Clotet fears captain Curtis Nelson suffered an Achilles injury during Oxford United's 2-1 defeat at home to Northampton Town.

Goals from Ash Taylor and Chris Long saw the Cobblers earn victory in the Sky Bet League One clash after Wes Thomas had levelled for the U's.

The hosts suffered a big blow with the score at 1-0 when Nelson was stretchered off after 40 minutes.

The centre half went down after a challenge with Jon Joe O'Toole in the penalty area and received treatment before being substituted.

United are yet to discover the full extent of the injury, but boss Clotet says the early signs are not good.

He said: "The one detail that I have is that it looks like it is an Achilles, so that could be long term.

"It is a blow and mentally it affected a lot of the game, because it was in the first half and being forced to lose your captain, and an important player for the team, it has an impact.

"But it's about not having any excuses and getting over this and making sure you get the three points next week."