OXFORD United endured another afternoon to forget on Saturday – but the consequences of this one could be much more far-reaching.

A poor display littered with individual errors saw Northampton Town claim a 2-1 victory in Sky Bet League One, extending the U’s winless run to six matches.

But to compound their misery, captain Curtis Nelson was stretchered off just before half-time – and the immediate diagnosis of his problem was not positive.

Boss Pep Clotet revealed the centre back could have ruptured an Achilles, an injury that if confirmed would likely see Nelson out for rest of the season.

The 24-year-old went down following an innocuous-looking challenge with John Joe O’Toole.

Clotet is expecting to find out the full extent of the injury during the early part of this week, but the news only added to United’s misery.

The U’s boss said: “We will have to wait for more details. I don’t want to get carried away too much, because that (ruptured Achilles) is the report we have at the moment.

“It is the impression of our medical staff, but they have got to do some proper tests.”

Clotet added: “It is a blow.

“Mentally, it affected a lot of the game, because it was in the first half and being forced to lose your captain, an important player for the team, it has an impact.

“But it’s about not having any excuses and getting over this and making sure you get three points next time.”

Wes Thomas cancelled out Ash Taylor’s opener, but a Ryan Ledson error allowed Chris Long to score just 60 seconds after the U’s had levelled.

Clotet said: “I’m disappointed for the way we conceded the second goal, because that was something we spoke about.

“It happened on Tuesday (in the Checkatrade Trophy against MK Dons) and we have to make sure if we manage to get back into a game, we’re solid for five minutes.

“But I understand this is football and sometimes you need a lot of experience to learn from these moments.

“The important thing is to turn that into focus and determination.

“I valued a lot the fighting spirit the players showed until the end, and in the second half we had plenty of chances to get the second goal.”