Oxford United Coach Buckingham Addresses Upcoming Hectic Schedule

Oxford United head coach Des Buckingham, whose team has secured four victories in their initial 15 Championship matches this season, is set to welcome three players back from injury as the club faces a demanding period of 11 league fixtures over the upcoming six weeks. Cameron Brannagan, Matt Phillips, and Przemyslaw Placheta are all expected to be included in the squad for Saturday’s Championship encounter, which will be played at home against Middlesbrough. Speaking to BBC Radio Oxford, Buckingham stated, “We’ve spoken about building depth in the squad but we didn’t expect it to be tested as early this season. We’ve had to go away from how we play, change shape and it takes some time to get to where you want to get. The players have adapted to it really well but having players back gives us more choice and options.” Following their fixture against Middlesbrough, Oxford is scheduled for an away game against second-placed Sheffield United, followed by a home match against an in-form Millwall side. Buckingham further commented, “I’m sure the fans are looking forward to having no more international breaks and we’ve got 23 games to play before the next one. We’ve prepared for it in terms of recruitment and how we train the players. It’s going to be important how we manage the group we have and it’s nice to have three back, but we don’t want to lose any.”