OXFORD United winger Rob Hall is facing four months on the sidelines after a scan has revealed cartilage damage to his right knee.

The 24-year-old went for tests immediately after last weekend’s Sky Bet League One defeat to Northampton Town.

And Hall, who ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee while at Milton Keynes Dons in April 2016, is facing more time on the treatment table.

The cartilage will need to be stitched and repaired, adding to a nightmare week which started with the news U’s captain Curtis Nelson would miss the rest of the season after rupturing his Achilles.

Hall has scored five goals in 15 appearances this season and boss Pep Clotet is rueing the loss of another key player.

He said: “We got some bad news this morning.

“Rob Hall got a scan after the game on Saturday, felt something in the knee, and the surgeon said he needs the cartilage to be stitched and repaired.

“So that is going to be a player we are going to miss for four months.

“It is a cartilage problem, so it is something that has been coming from a long time ago.

“It is a blow.”

United have recalled Malachi Napa from his loan spell at Hampton & Richmond Borough as cover.