Oxford United Peart-Harris injury update before Saints trip

Peart-Harris missed out in the draw with Charlton Athletic after picking up a knock in the 1-0 win over Blackburn three days before.

Since joining from Brentford in January, the 23-year-old has been a mainstay in the United team who are currently unbeaten in four games.

“He had a bit of a knock, an issue with his back,” Yellows boss Bloomfield confirmed.

“We’ve had him back out on the grass in the last couple of days so he’s getting closer.”

Oxford United’s Myles Peart-Harris in action for the U’s (Image: ©Jason Dawson)

Oxford travel to Southampton for the first time since 1996, with the Saints relegated from the Premier League last season.

After beginning the campaign poorly under Will Still, head coach Tonda Eckert has transformed their fortunes and they now find themselves on a 13-game unbeaten run and destined for the play-offs.

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“They are a very, very good team,” Bloomfield

“One of, if not the, in-form team in the league. It’s going to be a very stern test for us.

Matt Bloomfield celebrates Oxford United’s win at Deepdale (Image: ©Jason Dawson)

“Obviously, they’ve got some fantastic players, lots that have played in the Premier League, recruited for millions and very well coached.

“We know we’re up against a very tough team tomorrow so we’re going to have to be at our best if we’re going to take something from the game.

“[Eckert] has done an incredible job, a fantastic job. They’ve got such an elite group of players for this league, and he’s done a fantastic job.

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Southampton manager Tonda Eckert celebrates with the fans after the Emirates FA Cup fifth round match at Craven Cottage, London (Image: John Walton/PA Wire)

“We know that we’re going to have to be at the top of our game tomorrow and we absolutely believe that when we are at the top of our game that we can put on a good show.

“Tactically, we need to be astute tomorrow because of the opposition we’re facing,” the U’s boss continued.

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“We need to make sure we’re aware of them, but not too side-tracked by that.

“These away games have been good days for us so far and we want to add another one tomorrow.

Oxford United’s Cameron Brannagan celebrates scoring their side’s first goal of the game from the penalty spot during the Sky Bet Championship match at the Kassam Stadium, Oxford. (Image: Steven Paston/PA Wire)

“We know it’s going to be an extremely tough game for us tomorrow and we’re not getting carried away with what we’ve done away from home.

“We have to get back to zero and make sure we build a performance.”

The U’s have performed well when faced with trips away to club seemed as ‘bigger’ opposition.

A win at another recently-relegated side in Leicester City stands out as a highlight during Bloomfield’s tenure so far, and the hope will be that Oxford can muster a similar performance on Saturday afternoon.