Oxford's Rodrigues on bench over injury doubt - Rowett
Ruben Rodrigues has scored four goals for Oxford this season
- Published
Ruben Rodrigues was left out of the Oxford starting line-up for their 3-2 win over Luton because of an injury doubt, says boss Gary Rowett.
The forward, 28, has featured in all 28 of the U's Championship games this season, starting 22 of them, but came on as a second-half substitute on Tuesday night.
"Ruben has had a tight hamstring around 60 minutes in the last two games and I certainly didn't want to lose him," Rowett told BBC Radio Oxford.
Matt Phillips started the game in place of Rodrigues before being replaced by Alex Matos on 65 minutes.
"Matty has trained really well and when he's come into the team in different positions he's an intelligent footballer.
"Each game will be a different challenge and we will have to change things from the bench to get the relevant result."
Oxford will be looking to make it eight league games unbeaten since Rowett was appointed when they visit Stoke City on Saturday (12:30 GMT).