Chris Wilder will not risk central defender Michael Duberry against Cheltenham on Saturday.

The veteran defender has missed Oxford United’s last four games – which have resulted in four defeats – with a groin injury.

Although he has been back in training this week, with no game until Morecambe on December 10 after Saturday, Wilder say that, reluctantly, he will wait to bring Duberry back into his starting line-up.

“It is a big decision with Dubes,” Wilder admitted.

“He is back running, and I could possibly get him through Saturday’s game.

“But that opens up the real possibility that he could re-injure himself and then he would be out for a longer period.

“The risk is not worth taking because with no game for two weeks after Cheltenham, it gives us time to make sure he is totally right before he returns.”

Damian Batt and Peter Leven, who have been carrying knocks, are fit, while Liam Davis, who returned from injury at Crawley last week, should play.

Alfie Potter is still injured, while Tom Craddock completes his three-game suspension, so Lewis Guy goes straight into the squad after rejoining on loan from MK Dons this week.

Cheltenham, who are in fine form on their travels, having won five of their nine away games, include loan signings from Bristol City, Bobby Reid and Marlon Jackson, in their squad.

Boss Mark Yates says that he fears Oxford, and would settle for a draw.

“Oxford are a big club and we have a real game on our hands,” Yates said.

“It’s going to be a very good game and I would probably take a point right now.

“Oxford have big vocal support and I hope that we will be taking a big contingent down to get behind the lads.”

Oxford Utd: probable Clarke, Batt, Whing, Wright, Davis, Heslop, McLaren, Leven, Guy, Constable, R Hall. Subs from: Smalley, Franks, A Hall, Payne, Worley, Kinniburgh, Tonkin, Brown.

Cheltenham: from Butland, Elliott, Bennett, Garbutt, Pack, Penn, Summer-field, Duffy, Spencer, Mohamed, Lowe, Low, Smikle, Graham, Goulding, Reid, Jackson.