Oxford United captain Jake Wright has been ruled out for up to six weeks after sustaining a knee injury during the Yellows 1-0 victory over Torquay United.

The 27-year-old centre-half suffered a gashed knee after landing on the bar that holds the back of the net to the ground late into the Division Four clash on Saturday as he prevented a certain Torquay equaliser.

An x-ray yesterday revealed the former Brighton and Hove Albion defender didn’t suffer a break or any tendon damage, but needed stitches to cover up the wound.

Fortunately the skipper’s injury wasn’t as bad as first thought, and he may only miss United’s league fixtures during February.

Wright told the official website: “I thought it was serious straight away. I saw blood and just thought “Look away”.

“It was the little bar right at the back of the goal and it split my knee open. The lads were brilliant in getting me attention quickly and I went off to hospital to have it checked.

“They x-rayed it and confirmed there was no break and it looks as though there was no tendon damage which was the fear. It is a really deep cut but they stitched it and sent me home. It is sore but it could have been a lot worse.”

Despite his latest injury setback, the club captain was optimistic of making a quick recovery: “I’m generally a quick healer. At the time I thought I was going to be out for a lot longer so you count your blessings.

“Michael Raynes has probably been our most consistent player this season so he will come in and the important thing is that we build on the win on Saturday and keep moving forward.”