Oxford United may have players back in training after self-isolation but a trip to Sunderland on Saturday may come just too early for one or two of them.
The U’s were without 7 players for covd related reasons last week and although all of them are now able to return some of them are still feeling the effects.
“Everyone is back but one or two aren’t fit still” Karl Robinson told iFollow today.
“Obviously people who have had covid will understand that you go back in to work on day 11 and can still feel fatigued and tired. If you are going into an office or are a tradesman it’s different but being a footballer you come in and really push yourself and your breathing to a very high level so you can imagine the effect it can have and one or two have struggled and won’t be fit for Saturday.
“We have three games now which will challenge us tactically in different ways but physically it will be a tough week for us and we have prepared for that as well. But we are going to really good stadiums and places you want to perform in so we are really looking forward to it.
“We are rather spoiling the party for some big clubs at the top of the table this season but that’s fine. We shouldn’t be where we have been for the last two seasons but we are a strong group of people and we will thrive on the atmosphere at grounds like Saturday.
“But if we go to Sunderland and we don’t compete for every ball then we will get nothing. We know how hard they will play and know we need to match their energy. You never go to Sunderland, play poorly and get a lucky win. They don’t allow that to happen.
“We have to have that same desire to win. I see it in the players every day and we look forward to challenging ourselves again at the weekend.”
See the full interview plus the Preview Show in iFollow right now