OXFORD United expect to be without Alex Gorrin for today’s visit to Sunderland.

The Spanish midfielder missed last Friday’s win over Lincoln City with a tight groin, which remains an issue.

Karl Robinson revealed it is unlikely the 27-year-old will feature this afternoon, but hopes to have him available for the home game against Accrington Stanley in three days’ time.

The U’s head coach said: “The groin is still a problem but he’s not far away, he’ll be back for Monday.”

Gorrin was a trainee at Sunderland, although he never made a senior appearance.

Karl Robinson: No pressure on Oxford United at Sunderland

In better news, Sam Long and Elliot Lee are in contention for a place in the squad this afternoon.

The duo trained this week as they continued their comebacks from injury, although Robinson will make a late decision on Long’s involvement.

The right back has not played since he was forced off against Peterborough United on March 2, while Lee has featured only twice in the last month due to a knee problem.

Robinson said: “Especially over the Easter period you want as many bodies as you possibly can, firing and ready and raring to go.

“They’re all really intense days and you’ve got to be 100 per cent ready for every eventuality.”