OXFORD United striker Steve Basham will today discover the full extent of the knee injury he picked up against Exeter on New Year's Day.

The 29-year-old forward, who limped off after just 24 minutes of the 2-1 defeat at St James' Park, underwent a scan yesterday.

Manager Jim Smith is now awaiting the results, but is keeping his fingers crossed that Basham will be soon back in action.

"The injury didn't appear to be as bad as first feared," said United's boss.

However, Basham looks certain to miss Saturday's home game against Morecambe.

His injury at Exeter couldn't have come at a worse time with strikers Rob Duffy and Yemi Odubade ruled out before the kick-off with thigh strains.

With Marvin Robinson still recovering from a bad knee injury, it meant all four United strikers were on the sidelines.

Smith added: "We ended up with no-one. I can't recall having four centre forwards and every one being out."

The quartet of strikers are among 11 first-team players who were having treatment at the Kassam Stadium yesterday.

And with only ten players reporting fit, United Reserves' game at Colchester United in the Pontin's Holidays Combination tonight has been postponed.

After Basham, skipper Phil Gilchrist is the main concern with a groin strain.

"He is a little bit of a worry," said Smith. "But he has got a chance of playing on Saturday.

"Again, we will have to just wait and see, but it is not as bad as first thought."

Rufus Brevett (hamstring), Barry Quinn (ankle), Matt Day (ankle) and Chris Hargreaves (abductor strain) were also undergoing treatment, along with longer term absentees Chris Willmott (knee) and Eddie Hutchinson (foot).

Robinson was due to make his comeback in the reserves game at Colchester.

But as it turned out he would have missed out after picking up a minor knock in training.

"He has a slight tweak, but he will be alright for the end of the week," added Smith, who is continuing to make inquiries about signing players to strengthen his injury-hit squad.