AGON Mehmeti could return to the Oxford United fold next week as the squad’s injury problems begin to ease.

The striker has only made three appearances since joining in September and has been out for almost three months with a torn hamstring.

But the 28-year-old is in full training and while the next two games are likely to come too soon, he has a chance of being available before the end of the festive period.

United boss Pep Clotet said: “Agon’s not going to make it for Wigan and is unlikely for Gillingham.

“I think before the new year he should be ready.

“Now he’s in the process of getting his fitness back as soon as possible, but he will get fit quickly.”

Mehmeti will add an option to an attacking unit which last weekend included Gino van Kessel for the first time since October.

Charlie Raglan is another player out of the treatment room, while Ivo Pekalski is in the final stages of his lengthy rehabilitation.

The squad may be without the likes of Rob Hall, Curtis Nelson and Christian Ribeiro, but Clotet is pleased to see the availability improving.

He said: “Players are coming back to a team that’s stronger because they’ve been through this situation.

“Everyone is working very hard and I think that has got us more united.

“Getting those injured players back is like making a new signing, with the benefit of them knowing everything here.”

The hectic programme over the next ten days will put a strain on the squad, but Clotet is not thinking about rotating his side.

He said: “We value what the team has done lately. “They’ve been getting good results and we just have to assess if everyone is fit for that game (tomorrow).

“We just have to try to get a good result and try to assess for Gillingham on Boxing Day in the same way.”