RUBEN Rodrigues will face a late fitness test to determine whether he’ll be okay to play a part for Oxford United’s trip to Reading.

The attacking midfielder hobbled off with 20 minutes to go in the 3-0 defeat away to Peterborough United at the weekend, with Tyler Goodrham coming on in his place.

Providing an update on Rodrigues earlier this afternoon, U’s head coach Des Buckingham said: “He’s a little bit sore. He took a bit of a kick which aggravated his ankle.

“We’re hopeful he’ll be okay, but we’ll probably have to make a late call on his selection.”

Royals rivalry: The last six league clashes between U’s and Reading

If Rodrigues is to miss the first league clash with the Royals for more than 20 years, his absence would be a blow for United, having established himself as a key player since arriving from Notts County in the summer.

Rodrigues has scored four goals in 18 Sky Bet League One games so far this season.

The U’s are already without five first team players due to injury, with full backs Greg Leigh and Sam Long out with calf and ankle problems respectively.

Centre back Stephan Negru, plus wingers Marcus Browne and Kyle Edwards, are all sidelined until the new year with hamstring injuries.