The U’s travel to Derby County on Saturday as they look to secure second-tier survival in the remaining four games of the campaign.

Polish winger Placheta has been plagued with setbacks in the second half of the season, restricting him to just seven league appearances in 2026.

The consistency of Stan Mills and Myles Peart-Harris has meant that the 28-year-old has been unable to break back into the team when back from injury, his last match coming in a 24-minute cameo away at Portsmouth two games ago.

Oxford United’s Przemyslaw Placheta (left) and Coventry City’s Jay Dasilva battle for the ball (Image: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire)

Placheta has three goals and one assist in 27 total appearances this season with his contract set to expire this summer.

The injury means U’s fans have potentially seen the winger play his last game in yellow and blue.

“We’ve lost Shemmy,” Yellows head coach Bloomfield confirmed.

“He just felt his hamstring in the warm-up on Wednesday. I doubt we’ll see him again this season, which is a shame.”

Striker Nik Prelec missed out on the match day squad last time out against Watford and remains injured.

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Nik Prelec vs Sheffield Wednesday (Image: Mike Allen)

“Still no Nik Prelec,” Bloomfield continued.

“That’s his ankle. He trained again on Tuesday, but again, didn’t feel quite right. He’s dropped out again.”

Elsewhere, Aidomo Emakhu and Jack Currie are both expected to be available, with the latter opting to wait until the summer to have an operation on his ankle.

The U’s have had a tough season, a poor start seeing them now in the midst of a relegation with four Championship matches remaining.

Matt Bloomfield’s men are currently two points from safety but have only suffered one defeat in their last eight games with a 2-0 win over Watford last time out.

The Yellows have utilised a large squad this campaign under two managers and the Oxford Mail has taken a look at who the standout performers and who deserves the end of season accolade.

Jack Currie

In his first season as a first-choice Championship left back, Currie has proved his worth at this level with 34 appearances in all competitions.

Oxford United left back Jack Currie (Image: Jason Dawson)

The 24-year-old enjoyed a successful loan spell at Leyton Orient last season and has transitioned into the second tier with ease.

Currie has offered a great combination of defensive solidity and attacking balance, his left foot allowing the likes of Myles Peart-Harris ahead of him to cut inside.

He has managed one assist but tops the charts for tackles (3.3) and interceptions (1.9) per 90 in the Oxford squad.

Stan Mills

Playing 42 times for the U’s this season, there have only been three games where Mills has not featured.

The winger was not a first choice name on many occasions under previous head coach Gary Rowett, but the 24-year-old has always been positive and consistent in his displays.

Stan Mills goal (Image: Michael Allen)

Under Bloomfield, Mills has shown himself to be a consistently impressive Championship winger, direct and always a problem for his opposing number.

His three goals in the league this season have all contributed to important wins over Derby County, Southampton, and most recently West Bromwich Albion.

Will Lankshear

A huge hit with the U’s faithful, the 20-year-old has been a sterling addition, contributing 10 goals in all competitions as the club’s top scorer.

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Turning down other loan offers in January, Lankshear opted to see out the season in OX4 and without his goals Oxford could very well have seen themselves already relegated.

Will Lankshear celebrates tapping in Oxford United’s second goal against Preston (Image: Oxford United)

The Spurs loanee has cemented himself as the first choice striker over the course of the season, demonstrating a natural instinct for goal that has seen him tipped for the top of the game.

An honourable mention goes to summer signing Brian De Keersmaecker who was exemplary before his injury and operation in February and still remains top of statistic such as assists (5) and chances created (37) in the U’s squad despite being out for two months.

Sam Long has also proved his doubters wrong yet again, becoming a crucial part of the recently successful back four and demonstrated his outstanding versatility, leadership, and reliability,

Oxford United reporter Malachi Obrey’s pick: Stan Mills.

The Baggies have been accused of breaching the rules in the last financial year and face a potential points deduction which would be implemented this season if sanctions are given, confirms John Percy of The Telegraph.

A hearing is set to take place later this April, before the end of the Championship season, with the exact date unknown.

Any deduction would have a big impact on the race for Championship survival and could aid Oxford United who currently sit in the bottom and two points away from West Brom who are one place above the U’s.

Oxford United’s Will Lankshear wrestles at kick-off (Image: Jason Dawson)

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The Yellows beat the West Midlands club 2-1 back in February to give themselves hope in the relegation battle and most recently were victorious over Watford to maintain momentum ahead of a huge final four fixtures.

Other rivals Leicester City, who are three points below the U’s, have already been hit with a six-point deduction this season which looks like it could be fatal for their survival hopes.

West Brom hit back at the accusations on Monday with statement, declaring that they believe themselves to be “fully compliant” with regulations.