Oxford United defenders doubtful ahead of Bolton Wanderers clash as Karl Robinson provides update

Oxford United may not have defenders Luke McNally and Ciaron Brown available for the clash against Bolton Wanderers.

The Whites travel to the Kassam Stadium to take on Karl Robinson's side who are sitting in the play-offs as things stand.

Bolton have won five out of their last six encounters and are one of the form teams in the division at present.

READ MORE: Bolton Wanderers boss Ian Evatt on Oxford United, League One ambitions and away form this season

The U's are aiming to bounce back from the midweek loss to Accrington Stanley, but might have to do it without McNally and Brown.

McNally has returned to Ireland after one of his close friends passed away and is being given time to grieve which meant he did not feature against Stanley, with that approach to remain for tomorrow's clash versus Wanderers.

Speaking to the Oxford Mail, Karl Robinson said: "This young boy sadly lost his life at 21 years of age and it’s hit Luke, it’s someone he’s grown up with.

“You know how important people’s wellbeing is to me, that comes before football.

“Everyone at the club sends their wishes and I’m sure the fans will as well.

“He’s been a tremendous young player for us this year and I’m sure he is someone who will grow.

"On Monday afternoon I said to him to travel and if you feel you’re not capable of performing, which is for the right reasons, we can always get you a flight from Manchester back to Dublin.

“He phoned me at 9am on the Tuesday and said ‘gaffer, I’ve not slept, I’m not in a good place’.

“We left that to his decision and this will be exactly the same.”

Cardiff City loanee Brown is currently recovered from a swollen ankle while Sam Long has a calf issue and is among another doubt for the clash.

Robinson added: "Ciaron’s