SEAN Clare could join the list of Oxford United players who are unavailable for today’s clash with Sunderland.

The right back missed training this week and is doubtful for the visit of the Black Cats, while late calls will be made on Matty Taylor and Mark Sykes.

It is worrying news for U’s boss Karl Robinson, who is also without John Mousinho.

Liam Kelly: Oxford United must trust approach against Sunderland

The centre back damaged knee ligaments during Tuesday night’s Carabao Cup defeat to Watford and will see a specialist next Tuesday.

He joins Josh Ruffels (shoulder), Alex Gorrin (ankle) and Jamie Hanson (calf) on the sidelines, while Sam Winnall is still building up fitness.

Rob Atkinson is available after his red card at Lincoln City last Saturday was overturned on appeal.

Sunderland are unable to call on the services of George Dobson, who was dismissed against Bristol Rovers on the opening day.

Grant Leadbitter, Josh Scowen or Lynden Gooch could replace him in the starting line-up.

TODAY’S TEAMS

Oxford Utd: from Eastwood, Clare, Moore, Atkinson, Long, Kelly, Brannagan, McGuane, Henry, Taylor, Cooper, Stevens, Forde, Sykes, Hall, Agyei, Osei, Napa.

Sunderland: from Burge, Willis, Wright, Flanagan, O’Nien, Leadbitter, Power, Hume, Maguire, Grigg, O’Brien, Wyke, Gooch, Scowen, Graham, Xhemajli, Matthews, Diamond.