JAMES Henry is edging closer to making his first appearance of the season after being blighted by an Achilles problem.
The 34-year-old started Oxford United’s first pre-season friendly, as the U’s beat a Southampton B side 3-1, while he also began the 5-1 victory against Barnet.
However, he hasn’t featured in a matchday squad since the new campaign kicked off earlier this month.
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U’s head coach Liam Manning said: “Jamo’s back out on the grass. It’s nothing major with Jamo, more just trying to settle an ongoing flare-up with his Achilles.
“We’ll see how he responds. It’s nothing major, just an ongoing irritation more than anything, so we’ll see how he responds to the work we give him.”
While Henry is unlikely to return for the home clash against Charlton Athletic on Saturday, Manning is buoyed by the potential for increased competition.
He said: “If you look at the squads that have been successful, depth is so important.
“I do look at the squad knowing we’re going to add two or three.
“When I look at the depth that we’ve got already, and what we’re going to add, it puts us in a position where I want competition and I want players to fight and compete.
“I don’t want anyone turning up and being complacent, that’s the most important thing.”
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