General The Injured Midfield

[Oxford1996]

Brannagan, Henry, Baptiste, Woodburn, Forde, Hanson, Thorne all injured. Throw in Gorrin being suspended for today’s game.

Can anyone think of a time where we’ve had so many injuries in the same position?

 

[gingerox]

Eastwood
Hanson ?? Thorne Forde
Baptiste Gorrin Brannagan
Henry Napa Woodburn

Not far away from a competitive unavailable XI

 

[Mellowyellow]

Hopefully it sounds as though Brannigan and Baptiste will be back next week, according to KR in his interview, as well as Gorrin. Rest Henry for a week, who knows.

We've got enough in the tank to beat MK franchise, especially with good following of 2000+.
A points a point, with a game in hand on the teams above us, the balls in our court still.
COYY

 

[Arthur]

Talking to Branagan in the lounge after the game he didn't sound overly confident about being available for MK next week, we'll see was he's comment?

 

[LondonRoader]

Talking to Branagan in the lounge after the game he didn't sound overly confident about being available for MK next week, we'll see was he's comment?

Could of picked up another injury in training.

 

[Mystery Yellow]

Im not being funny but even if Brannagan back next week he’s been out for 6/7 weeks so anyone thinking he’s coming in & making a massive impact straight away is deluded, he’s going to take time getting back in the swing of it again

 

[Thomas/Brock/Jones]

I'm not an expert over injuries but I am slightly concerned about judgement. 3 players now(branagan, eastwood and henry) have all 'played on ' with injuries making thwm worse and out for longer. Henry especially annoyed me with our current situation.

 

[Junior_1]

KR needs to be very careful with certain players and not rushing them back to soon before they are ready physically and mentally.....

 

[MiddleBartonYellow]

We have a whole raft of medical staff to help him make those decisions.

 

[BigCrompy]

I'm not an expert over injuries but I am slightly concerned about judgement. 3 players now(branagan, eastwood and henry) have all 'played on ' with injuries making thwm worse and out for longer. Henry especially annoyed me with our current situation.

History abounds with players attempting to 'run off an injury', typically a corkie or a strain of some description.

We're equally critical if players are withdrawn early when it turns out they didn't need to be.

I have every faith in our medical department to make the best decision they can in this most imprecise of sciences. It's not that we have that a*****e Mourinho thinking it's his place to overrule his doctor.

 

[beyondthefourth]

I wonder if it's worth not taking risks at MK (though the 3 points are desperately needed) and just making sure we have a fully fit side:

Archer

Cadden Dickie Moore Ruffels

Sykes Gorrin Mous Fosu

Taylor Mackie

​

Even if Brannagan and Baptiste are technically 'fit', there's no way they should be starting next week having been out for up to a month each.

It's a very defensive setup, but keep the midfield four compact and get the central pair to sit back. Then we can let Cadden, Ruffels, and perhaps even Dickie wander further up the pitch.

 

[holdsteady]

Cadden can play in midfield and put Long at right back, with Gorrin back and Sykes able to play there I reckon we should be able to get by for a week or two. Mackie Fosu and Taylor up top and that’s still a decent team.

 

[Thomas/Brock/Jones]

History abounds with players attempting to 'run off an injury', typically a corkie or a strain of some description.

We're equally critical if players are withdrawn early when it turns out they didn't need to be.

I have every faith in our medical department to make the best decision they can in this most imprecise of sciences. It's not that we have that A*****e Mourinho thinking it's his place to overrule his doctor.

Three times they have not made the correct decision though , and they were obviously not just 'a knock ' when they done them. Not easy but I would rather have shown some precautions especially with Henry.
Yes the player wants to run it off .might as well go back to Ken Fish and his magic sponge

 

[Mad Dog]

I wonder if it's worth not taking risks at MK (though the 3 points are desperately needed) and just making sure we have a fully fit side:

Archer

Cadden Dickie Moore Ruffels

Sykes Gorrin Mous Fosu

Taylor Mackie

​

Even if Brannagan and Baptiste are technically 'fit', there's no way they should be starting next week having been out for up to a month each.

It's a very defensive setup, but keep the midfield four compact and get the central pair to sit back. Then we can let Cadden, Ruffels, and perhaps even Dickie wander further up the pitch.

I reckon thats a good call, although I'd play Cadden on the right wing, and put Long at RB, which I feel would make us hard to beat, whilst still having plenty of attacking threats out wide.

 

[beyondthefourth]

I reckon thats a good call, although I'd play Cadden on the right wing, and put Long at RB, which I feel would make us hard to beat, whilst still having plenty of attacking threats out wide.

I thought that, but having two defensive midfielders would leave us pretty well covered at the back. May as well have Cadden going forward from RWB along with an extra attacking player for good measure.

 

[Canterbury exile]

Another option as I agonised on the injury situation on the long drive home
go to 3 at the back. Moore, Mous and Dickie and play Cadden and Ruffs as wing backs, 3 in midfield. Sykes ( with reservations), Fosu and Gorrin and Taylor and Mackie up front. If one of Cam or Shandon is fit in for Mackie with Fosu up front. Or Long at full back with Cadds in central midfield. Suspect he has played there before. Anybody know when Ben Woodburn is back. Seems a long time out for a metatarsal.

 

[Followtheox1]

I know it's annoying all these injuries and there is a risk we may drop a bit of momentum but I don't think people should worry too much. I think it's a good thing we can't just go and loan players. From a financial perspective but also sometimes these back to the wall scenarios make a group stronger and more united (fans and players)! At some point we will have players back. In a strange kind of way I'm actually excited to see how our depleted squad battle through this. When we have lost the next 5 games, this post will probably come back to haunt me!!

 

[Mad Dog]

I thought that, but having two defensive midfielders would leave us pretty well covered at the back. May as well have Cadden going forward from RWB along with an extra attacking player for good measure.

The trouble is, I really feel Sykes is a major weak link. He's clearly a talented player, but physically, he's nowhere near strong enough to play at this level.

I've never known us have so many key players out injured at the same time, and there's no escaping the fact we're suffering a major injury crisis, and while we wait for players to recover, we need to batten down the hatches, make ourselves hard to beat, whilst still having adequate attacking threats, and I feel having Long at RB, with Cadden on the RW, provides us with the strength we'll need with and without the ball all up and down that right side.

In the meantime, Sykes needs to get himself in the gym, and beef himself up, or he won't make the grade, and fulfil his obvious potential.

 

[BigCrompy]

Three times they have not made the correct decision though

That depends precisely on whether all the damage was initially done in one single trauma and was just impossible to run off - or whether playing on made the initial trauma worse.

Which, respectfully, nobody shall ever know.

Absolutely not picking holes in what you're saying! I value the debate.

But, believe me, we medics get plenty enough criticism...and only deserve most of it. I'll always leap to the aid of a colleague when I can!

 

[ttg17]

Whatever happens, I hope we don't rush any of these players back. With CB especially, its not worth rushing him back into the side for an away game at MK or a big cup game if that ends up ruling him out of the season.

I've also been disappointed with Sykes this year. Towards the end of last season I felt he played himself into the First XI and was really hoping he would kick on in this campaign.

 

[Marked Ox]

The trouble is, I really feel Sykes is a major weak link. He's clearly a talented player, but physically, he's nowhere near strong enough to play at this level.

I've never known us have so many key players out injured at the same time, and there's no escaping the fact we're suffering a major injury crisis, and while we wait for players to recover, we need to batten down the hatches, make ourselves hard to beat, whilst still having adequate attacking threats, and I feel having Long at RB, with Cadden on the RW, provides us with the strength we'll need with and without the ball all up and down that right side.

In the meantime, Sykes needs to get himself in the gym, and beef himself up, or he won't make the grade, and fulfil his obvious potential.

Yesterday, for the 1st half Sykes was the only one who showed any creativity and imo he coped reasonably well physically yesterday. He did have moments when he was knocked off the ball but then there were times he gave it back so I don't have any particular concerns on that score. Rarely for him, Fosu got knocked off the ball far more yesterday.

 

[Thomas/Brock/Jones]

That depends precisely on whether all the damage was initially done in one single trauma and was just impossible to run off - or whether playing on made the initial trauma worse.

Which, respectfully, nobody shall ever know.

Absolutely not picking holes in what you're saying! I value the debate.

But, believe me, we medics get plenty enough criticism...and only deserve most of it. I'll always leap to the aid of a colleague when I can!

Medics do a wonderful job and it was only an observation that we have been likely unlucky with all three.
As you say impossible to tell straight off but I would have not taken any risks with Henry.

 

[Sarge]

Yesterday, for the 1st half Sykes was the only one who showed any creativity and imo he coped reasonably well physically yesterday. He did have moments when he was knocked off the ball but then there were times he gave it back so I don't have any particular concerns on that score. Rarely for him, Fosu got knocked off the ball far more yesterday.

Fosu and Hall got knocked off the ball far more than Sykes IMO .... Sykes is better in more of a winger type role, however, he was tasked with playing more centrally in yesterdays game, against a side who, as another poster has pointed out, seriously rival Wycombe in the anti football stakes

 

[Scotchegg]

KR needs to be very careful with certain players and not rushing them back to soon before they are ready physically and mentally.....

I'm assuming that you're talking about Shandon Baptiste but the way you post suggests that KR is not being careful.

Baptiste has been really carefully looked after since he picked up an injury in his return to the side a year ago. It is why he has played less than many would have wanted. Robinson knows more than anyone the importance of keeping Shandon in a good place, both physically and mentally and will not rush him back. It's also why he is being protected from transfer speculation. PL clubs have shown an interest but the club want to put the needs of Baptiste first, and think he will develop better here than in a PL youth set up where he'll be lost. The money being spoken of would be massive for someone with only 21 games under his belt at this level.

There are gambles every time a play steps on to the pitch, but you can absolutely guarantee that Baptiste will not be selected unless he is mentally and physically ready.

 

[Mad Dog]

Don't get me wrong, I like Sykes, and think he's a very talented player, and I wasn't at the game yesterday, for the first time in years, so obviously didn't see the individual performances of the players, but at the moment, given our injury crisis, we really need to make ourselves hard to beat whilst we ride it out and wait for players to return, and given the obvious physical limitations of Sykes and Hall, I feel playing Cadden on the right wing, and Long at right back would really provide strength all along the right side, weather we're attacking or defending, and with Gorrin and Mous in the middle, Fosu on the left wing, and Mackie and Taylor up front, that could be the perfect lineup and formation to allow us to continue our good run, whilst waiting for key players to come back from injury.

Sometimes the most obvious and simple options are the most effective, and as much as I respect and appreciate everything Robbo's been doing this season, I think he was trying to be too clever yesterday.

 

[Sarge]

Don't get me wrong, I like Sykes, and think he's a very talented player, and I wasn't at the game yesterday, for the first time in years, so obviously didn't see the individual performances of the players, but at the moment, given our injury crisis, we really need to make ourselves hard to beat whilst we ride it out and wait for players to return, and given the obvious physical limitations of Sykes and Hall, I feel playing Cadden on the right wing, and Long at right back would really provide strength all along the right side, weather we're attacking or defending, and with Gorrin and Mous in the middle, Fosu on the left wing, and Mackie and Taylor up front, that could be the perfect lineup and formation to allow us to continue our good run, whilst waiting for key players to come back from injury.

Sometimes the most obvious and simple options are the most effective, and as much as I respect and appreciate everything Robbo's been doing this season, I think he was trying to be too clever yesterday.

think youre more or less there or thereabouts @Mad dog87 .... KR was out thought (and mugged) by Ricketts & Whitehead IMO ( with a weak /poor referee aiding and abetting)

 

[Marked Ox]

think youre more or less there or thereabouts @Mad dog87 .... KR was out thought (and mugged) by Ricketts & Whitehead IMO ( with a weak /poor referee aiding and abetting)

Disagree on the out-thought bit with KR. KR adapted the team midway through the 1st half after starting with a makeshift, square pegs in round holes central midfield and coped with 2 injuries to that makeshift midfield. Whilst Shrewsbury were clearly better in the first 20/25 mins after the reshuffle the 1st half evened up and then we were comfortably the better team in the 2nd half. That Sam Ricketts (who I hope never to see as the Oxford manager based on his team's performance) when presented with an opponent with a very weakened central midfield (regardless of our previous form) set his team up not to lose, and then didn't change to attack us after the injuries says to me he is overly cautious/lacks ambition/tactical nous to do so. We started as a wounded animal, got another wound and Ricketts didn't have the nous to beat us after KR changed our set up.

Also Sykes is definitely a starter for me at the moment in midfield yesterday he was one of our better players. Will he start with all the other players back, unlikely, but he has been a regular part of the team in this unbeaten run in the league and has earnt that chance on merit.

Whereas for me against such an opposition, Rob Hall isn't a starter. Rob Hall wasn't great defensively before his injury problems but yesterday demonstrated his loss of pace has made it worse. Cadden was having to cover for him so couldn't get forward much in that 1st half. I think Sam Long being the better defender can cover Rob Hall but it didn't work for me with Cadds. I'd much prefer Sam Long at right back with Cadds in right midfield at MK Dons with Rob Hall able to come on as a sub if necessary.

 

[Oufcrealist]

Disagree on the out-thought bit with KR. KR adapted the team midway through the 1st half after starting with a makeshift, square pegs in round holes central midfield and coped with 2 injuries to that makeshift midfield. Whilst Shrewsbury were clearly better in the first 20/25 mins after the reshuffle the 1st half evened up and then we were comfortably the better team in the 2nd half. That Sam Ricketts (who I hope never to see as the Oxford manager based on his team's performance) when presented with an opponent with a very weakened central midfield (regardless of our previous form) set his team up not to lose, and then didn't change to attack us after the injuries says to me he is overly cautious/lacks ambition/tactical nous to do so. We started as a wounded animal, got another wound and Ricketts didn't have the nous to beat us after KR changed our set up.

Also Sykes is definitely a starter for me at the moment in midfield yesterday he was one of our better players. Will he start with all the other players back, unlikely, but he has been a regular part of the team in this unbeaten run in the league and has earnt that chance on merit.

Whereas for me against such an opposition, Rob Hall isn't a starter. Rob Hall wasn't great defensively before his injury problems but yesterday demonstrated his loss of pace has made it worse. Cadden was having to cover for him so couldn't get forward much in that 1st half. I think Sam Long being the better defender can cover Rob Hall but it didn't work for me with Cadds. I'd much prefer Sam Long at right back with Cadds in right midfield at MK Dons with Rob Hall able to come on as a sub if necessary.

Agree apart from the tactics bit. KR'S hand was forced with the injury to Forde. Moore came on Mous moved to DM and Henry moved forward. IMO thats how we should have started. Having Henry that far back was a waste of his talent.
Agree about Hall. A shadow of his former self and a liability defending. Long and Cadden if Henry is not fit. Hall on the bench. I feel some people are being a bit overcritical of Sykes. He was average but not poor by any means.

 

[TailsWeWin]

I’d like to know what Hall’s supporters see in him. Please?

 

[Scotchegg]

I’d like to know what Hall’s supporters see in him. Please?

Hall isn't useless, he's just not as good as others. We have a threadbare midfield at the moment so we are using players who wouldn't otherwise be first choice.

Generally this season, Hall has offered something going forward. Whilst not as quick as he once was, he offers a direct option which can put defences on the backfoot. His goals against Sunderland and H&Y were well taken, as was his free kick against West Ham that hit the bar. He also played well in the middle against West Ham where he read the game well with some decent link up play.

He offers virtually nothing defensively and if he does play on the right we need Long behind him. He's also not blistering quick, so he'll rarely go flying past players, and isn't strong enough to do some of the hold up work Henry does.

So in an ideal world, Hall would not be picked and would maybe limited to 20 minutes against a tiring defence. But we're not in an ideal world and some of the criticism is a little unfair.