Curtis Nelson: Oxford United captain to miss rest of season with Achilles injury

Curtis Nelson is in his second full season at Oxford United

Oxford United captain Curtis Nelson is set to miss the rest of the season with an Achilles injury.

Nelson, 24, was carried off on a stretcher before half-time in Oxford's 2-1 defeat by Northampton on Saturday.

A scan on Monday confirmed he had ruptured the tendon, and the defender will have surgery later this week.

"It is a blow for us but also obviously for Curtis who was playing so well and has been a fantastic captain for us," boss Pep Clotet told the club website.

"It is very clear what we are dealing with and the timescales involved."

Oxford have gone four games without a win, during which they suffered a first-round loss to League Two Port Vale in the FA Cup, but are just three points off the play-off places in League One.

"We've a group of hard workers," Clotet told BBC Radio Oxford. "They feel it as much as we do as coaches.

"They've shown a good ability to come back and compete again. That's the nature of the game and I'm sure the players will put everything in to make sure that happens."