ROB Hall is expected to be ruled out for the rest of Oxford United’s season after undergoing minor surgery yesterday.

The 24-year-old, who is out of contract this summer, has not played since picking up a knee injury against Northampton Town in November.

It was hoped he would return this month, but a couple of setbacks have delayed the winger.

An infection spread to his calf, which was corrected this week.

And speaking to the fans’ forum this morning, Karl Robinson – who was the manager when Hall ruptured cruciate ligaments in 2016 – believes patience is the best option.

The U’s head coach said: “Unfortunately fluid drained from his knee and he almost had a golf ball in his calf.

“There was an infection we think in it and he’s been for blood tests.

“With the injury he had from when he was with me (at MK Dons) there are still aspects of it that we’re not overly happy with.

“I think he was seeing Andy Williams in London, who is one of the best knee surgeons in the world, so he’s in tremendous hands.

“He feels so much better today.

“I think for the sake of his career there’s a high probability we’ll have to shut him down for the season if he want him to be at the level you all know him for at the start of next season.

“If we rush him back and he breaks down again then the young man’s career could be very difficult to get back.”