OXFORD United have been handed another home draw in the Checkatrade Trophy quarter-final, but boss Michael Appleton was frustrated to learn Joe Skarz will be suspended.
The defender, who captained the side in Tuesday's win against Scunthorpe United, collected a booking.
It was his second caution of the tournament, which is a stand-alone competition in terms of discipline, so two bookings trigger a one-game ban.
Skarz will therefore miss the last-eight tie, against the winners of next Tuesday's meeting between Cheltenham Town and Bradford City at Whaddon Road.
Appleton said: "I must admit I didn’t realise at the time that Skarzy’s booking on Tuesday means he can’t play in the next game.
"It’s incredible.
"Apparently that finishes after the quarter-final, but we could have a situation where players are on a booking going into that game and if we were lucky enough to get through would miss the semi-final if they get booked."
Ryan Taylor, Phil Edwards, Joe Rothwell and Josh Ruffels are on a booking, while Alex MacDonald will be available again after missing the last three Trophy fixtures following a red card against Swindon Town in the group stage.
The tie will be played in the week starting January 23.
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