OXFORD United’s trip to Bristol Rovers is not just about managing the return to action of certain players, says Karl Robinson.

The U’s visit The Memorial Stadium (1pm) for what was set to be their last pre-season friendly, until a Covid outbreak forced 12 members of the first-team squad to self-isolate.

United cancelled last Saturday’s fixture with Birmingham City and have arranged a game against Vanarama National League side Barnet at their training ground on Tuesday.

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Billy Bodin is expected to be available today, but Sam Long, Marcus McGuane, Alex Gorrin and Luke McNally may still not be ready after isolating.

That is not Robinson's only decision to make, with some first-team players gaining plenty of pre-season minutes to make up the shortfall.

The head coach suggested No 9 Matty Taylor could be one who his rested against his former club as the U's prepare for the Sky Bet League One opener at Cambridge United a week today.

He said: “You would have seen the starting XI (for Cambridge), but what’s gone on has really put the cat amongst the pigeons.

“Does Matty need to go again? I don’t think he does.

“We have a game pencilled in on Tuesday which will help that situation.”

Nathan Holland could make his first appearance since re-joining on Thursday, while there could be another opportunity for youngsters Josh Johnson and Clinton Nosakhare.

Johnson, a 16-year-old midfielder, has looked especially impressive in pre-season and Robinson is proud of how United’s youngsters have stepped up.

“He’s a talent, but he’s got a lot more to come and there’s a lot to learn,” he said.

“All the kids have done really well and I’m really proud of all of them, they know that.

“There’s a lot of development to be done, but the future’s incredibly bright right now.”