OXFORD United’s players have been given today off to draw breath before their final preparations for Wembley begin tomorrow.

The squad have played 14 games in the space of just 46 days, but showed no signs of fatigue as Bury were battered 5-1 at the Kassam Stadium on Tuesday night.

They were told to rest up for 48 hours, before they meet up at Bisham Abbey tomorrow to focus on Sunday’s Checkatrade Trophy final against Coventry City.

Given their exhausting schedule, playing three extra games than the Sky Blues in the last six weeks, head coach Michael Appleton felt the mini-break had been hard-earned.

He said: “The players will enjoy a couple of days’ recovery now, they deserve it.

“It will be business as usual at Bisham and we’ll crack on to prepare for Sunday.”

One of those in particular need of a rest is Marvin Johnson, who suffered a bruising game against Bury.

The winger was on the receiving end of a dreadful tackle from behind by Ryan Lowe, which thankfully left no lasting damage.

Appleton said: “It was a poor challenge and it probably should’ve been a red card, but ultimately he’s got up and played on.”

Just as with last year, when United were sweating on Joe Skarz’s fitness, they go into the game with an injury worry.

This time it centres on joint top-scorer Chris Maguire, who has missed the last two games.

Appleton has his fingers crossed the 28-year-old shakes off the hip issue.

He said: “I certainly hope so.

“There’s no guarantees with it.

“The scan has come back and it was nothing surprising, but the good news is there was no severe damage.

“It’s a bit inflamed, so if we follow what the doctors are suggesting hopefully he will be available for the weekend.”

While the attention is now firmly on landing some silverware, the midweek win kept United in the race for the Sky Bet League One play-offs.

Their chances had been dented by a goalless draw at Northampton Town on Saturday, but they are now just four points adrift of Southend United in sixth place.

It means regardless of the result at Wembley, United will host Fleetwood Town next Wednesday with something tangible to play for in the run-in.

Appleton said: “We go to Wembley with confidence and knowing there is still something on the last five games, which is important.”