SAM Long’s ankle injury is not as bad as first feared – but Oxford United are reluctant to put a timescale on his return.

The right back had a scan on Monday after picking up a knock in training last week.

Long looks set to miss another pre-season friendly when United go to Eastleigh tonight (7.45pm), but first-team coach Leon Blackmore-Such revealed some positive news on the 27-year-old.

He said: “The results came back as probably the best-case scenario for us.

“The timescale on any injury at this stage is hard to tell but it gives us hope that he’ll be back sooner than we first thought, which is pleasing.”

READ MORE: Oxford United coach gives Jodi Jones verdict and explains Jerome Sinclair absence

Asked if Long would return in time for the start of the Sky Bet League One season on July 30, Blackmore-Such replied: “We’ll have to see.”

Jack Stevens, Marcus Browne and Sam Baldock are expected to be part of the squad at Eastleigh after sitting out last night’s win at Hungerford Town.

Alex Gorrin may have to wait a little longer to be involved as United manage his return from an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Jodi Jones managed 60 minutes last night and it remains to be seen whether he will feature for the second evening running, while fellow trialist Jerome Sinclair is set to miss out.

The starting XI at Hungerford mainly comprised of youngsters, with a host of first-team players coming on in the 73rd minute.

Blackmore-Such explained it will be roles reversed tonight as the U’s test themselves against a Vanarama National League side.

He said: “When the senior boys came on they showcased themselves well. We wouldn’t expect anything else so fair play to them.

“It’ll be 75 (minutes) for them and then the young boys get an opportunity again, which we’re looking forward to.

“They’ll get 15 minutes at the end under a bit of fatigue against a higher opposition.

“We expect the young boys to step into that moment, hopefully off the back of a situation when we’re doing well in the game.”