Oxford United boss lifts lid on Cumming suspension and Helik injury

Cumming was left out of the squad due to suspension as Oxford beat Thames Valley rivals Reading 2-0 in League One, whilst Helik was forced off in the second half with an injury.

The win saw Reading-born duo Gatlin O’Donkor and Mo Missanga score at the Kassam Stadium to extend the Yellows’ league unbeaten run to 10 games.

U’s goalkeeper Cumming was not available in midweek after being sent off in the final minutes against Barnsley last weekend.

The club had appealed against the red card, with Ramsey providing an update after the match: “They said the decision was the same as the ref’s decision, and they didn’t want to change it.

“So, look, it is what it is. We have to deal with it.

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“And then, look, it gives opportunity again for Simon Eastwood to come in and have another solid performance with a clean sheet.

“So, we have players who are ready.”

Cumming will see out a three-game suspension, with it understood that he will miss the weekend’s FA Cup clash with Stevenage but will be available in the Jersey Mike’s Trophy against Cheltenham Town.

The United boss also opened up on the injury to Helik, saying: “He had a knock on his knee from the last match [against Barnsley].

Michal Helik heads at goal for Oxford (Image: Darrell Fisher)

“He’s done well to get through the minutes that he did tonight.

“He felt it a little bit, but no risk taken there.

“So, an opportunity now for him to recover a little bit before the league starts up again.

“We’ll assess him. We’ll see how he responds over the next few days.”