OXFORD United are reviewing what they can do to prevent muscle injuries after a scan confirmed Joe Rothwell’s hamstring tear.

The second degree issue is similar to the problem suffered by Agon Mehmeti in November and is expected to keep the midfielder out for around six to eight weeks.

It is Rothwell’s second hamstring problem in quick succession, adding to the long list of injuries which have plagued the squad this season.

Boss Pep Clotet admitted it had prompted a review on how United can make further improvements to limit the risks for the squad.

He said: “That’s two hamstring injuries on the same player, in different legs. It’s a pity for him.

“We had a discussion in the club because I think we can do a lot of things to avoid muscle injuries.

“There are a lot of things you can’t do which is up to the player.

“Everything affects it – nutrition, sleep, rest, mentality, the weather – that has a huge impact, if it’s really cold and the surface is hard it can happen more often.

“But we have to make sure whatever depends on us we do it.

“We had a discussion on how we can improve our prevention programme.

“We do it two or three times a week and how can we improve their levels of flexibility.”