Oxford United winger Alfie Potter has been ruled out for up to eight weeks with an ankle injury.

The 24 year-old was stretchered off during last Saturday’s 1-0 home defeat at the hands of Bristol Rovers, with the club discovering the forward suffered ankle ligament damage following an MRI scan on Wednesday. Potter was replaced by fellow midfielder Scott Davies in the dying moments of the match against the Pirates at the Kassam Stadium, having only come on as a substitute himself, replacing Ryan Williams on the hour-mark.

The former Peterborough United hotshot was on the end of a heavy challenge from Rovers’ defender Tom Lockyer, forcing Potter to leave Grenoble Road on crutches come the final whistle. Potter, who has scored three goals in 13 appearances for the Yellows so far this season, will be a huge loss for Chris Wilder’s side. He said: “It is a big blow because he is a big player for us. It wasn’t the best challenge and it now keeps Alfie out until the New Year but we just get on with it and it will give other players an opportunity.”

Although Oxford will certainly miss the influence of wing wizard Potter, starting with United’s FA Cup first-round tie at home to Conference side Gateshead tomorrow; boss Wilder thanked Premier League side Fulham after receiving clearance from the Cottagers to play Australian Williams during the Us domestic cup run. “I’d like to thank Fulham for that,” Chris said. “Ryan is a player with lots of potential and he gives us options, especially with Alfie missing. We are waiting to see if Shrewsbury will allow Asa Hall to play but whoever does play will know that the Cup always throws up upsets at this stage and we will need to be right on Saturday to make sure we get through.”