Joe Bennett: Oxford defender to miss rest of year due to injury

Oxford United defender Joe Bennett will miss the rest of 2024 after suffering an injury on Saturday 3-1 win against Preston North End.

On Friday, the U's confirmed their 25-man squad for the season and shared the news of Bennett's exclusion.

Goalkeeper Simon Eastwood was also missing from the squad, but BBC Radio Oxford has learned that United could call him up in the event of another goalkeeper being injured, rather than loaning him out if necessary.

Bennett arrived at the Kassam Stadium in November 2023 and has started all four of the U's opening games in the Championship this season.

Oxford has added 16 players to its squad this summer and hopes to be able to compete in the English second division for the first time in 25 years.

“Overall, I am extremely pleased with the work that has been done during the transfer window,” said Oxford boss Des Buckingham.

“I feel like we are in a much stronger position as a club than we were at the start of the summer.

“It is disappointing to lose Joe until the New Year as he has been an outstanding player and person since arriving at the club in November.”

Oxford return to action after the international break on Saturday 14 September (12:30 BST) when they host Stoke City.