RICKY Holmes’s loan at Oxford United could be cut short this week if their fears over his back injury are proved correct.

The winger, pictured, has not started a game for two months due to the problem, which has plagued his loan spell.

United are looking to recoup money from their budget to reinvest in January and cannot afford to carry Holmes if he is due to miss a significant chunk of the remaining campaign.

U’s boss Karl Robinson said: “We’ll be speaking to Sheffield United this week about the length (of lay-off) it’s going to be. We’re not 100 per cent, although we have an idea.

“If it is what we think we need to have a conversation about maybe going back, but we’ll speak to Sheffield United first.”

A holding midfielder is expected to sign this week.

There are two options, one who is abroad and a domestic-based player who suffered an injury, so United are waiting to hear the severity of the issue.

Robinson’s priority, however, is up front, where two signings are wanted.

The head coach revealed United could have done a deal late last week, but opted to wait and see what develops with targets higher on his list.

He said: “We could have got one done on Thursday night, but maybe not the one we wanted.

“It would have been one to see us through the (Fleetwood) game, but if we did that you’re struggling to find funds to get another one in.”

He added: “Getting the best one for 18 games is better than getting (any) one for 20. That’s something we’ve got to look at.”

The U’s boss also confirmed Ivo Pekalski is in Sweden attempting to find a new club.