Oxford United are set to be boosted by the return of two long-term absentees before the end of the season, both of whom are fighting for a new deal.

Rob Hall and Jon Obika have both been out for much of the season, Hall since August and Obika since October. However, after intense work behind the scenes, both could make returns before the conclusion of the current campaign.

Oxford have moved away from the relegation battle and are hoping to end a rather dour season on a positive note. Karl Robinson will already be planning for next season and with both players out of contract, he has a big decision to be made.

Whilst they've not been impressing on the field, Robinson told how a return before the beginning of May would shine a positive light on both players.

“It would be nice, just for their confidence,” he told the Banbury Cake. “They’re still in the gym at 5pm. People might say that’s a normal working day, but they’re pushing their bodies to the limit every day."

“They’ve been impeccable in their training regime and they should be commended. Hally and Jon joined in at the beginning of the warm-up, so hopefully they’ll be training with us as well (soon)."

“It’s a bit late, but hopefully we can finish the season quite positively.”

Oxford are currently 12th in the table, with a mathematical chance of relegation but in real terms out of danger. They're nine points clear of Wimbledon in 21st, but host high-flying Charlton this Good Friday.

The Verdict

It's a boost for the players to be coming back, but what damage has the injury done to their chances of a new deal?

Has Robinson moved on, or is he willing to give them fresh terms based on what he saw before their respective lay-offs?

It's a tough decision to make and one likely to be led by the head, rather than the heart.