JOE Bennett and Simon Eastwood have been omitted from Oxford United’s 25-man squad for the Sky Bet Championship campaign until January.

The signing of free agent Kyle Edwards after the close of the summer transfer window ensured the U’s were two players over the Football League’s 25-man cap.

Left back Bennett was forced off in first half stoppage time as United beat Preston North End 3-1 last time out, and the defender has suffered an injury which will keep him out until the end of the calendar year, meaning he has been cut from the squad.

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Bennett’s absence comes as a major blow, as the 34-year-old started all four of United’s Championship games this season.

It leaves the U’s with just Greg Leigh at left back, after summer signing Jack Currie was loaned to League One side Leyton Orient prior to Bennett’s injury, and can only be recalled in January.

Eastwood meanwhile has been left out, with United naming two goalkeepers in the form of Jamie Cumming and Matt Ingram.

Because an unlimited number of Under-21 players are allowed, apart from incoming loanees, it’s understood that goalkeepers Eddie Brearey and Jacob Knightbridge, both Under-21 players and currently out on loan, can be recalled if required.

Brearey is on loan at Beaconsfield Town in Southern League Division One Central, while Knightbridge is with Vanarama National League side Braintree Town.

Players on loan at National League level or below can be recalled from loan spells outside the transfer windows, unlike teams in the Football League.

U’s head coach Des Buckingham told the club website: “We must work within the squad limit and it’s disappointing to lose Joe until the New Year as he has been an outstanding player and person since arriving at the club in November.

“We have also developed our goalkeeping department in the off-season which will see Simon Eastwood miss out on being registered on our squad list.

“I must re-emphasise that Simon is such an important person to this club and to our group.

“He has been so vital to the club on this journey back to the Championship and he will remain an extremely important person to us every day at the training ground in keeping our standards to an absolute maximum.”

Oxford United’s confirmed 25-man squad

GOALKEEPERS

Jamie Cumming

Matt Ingram

DEFENDERS

Ciaron Brown

Peter Kioso

Greg Leigh

Sam Long

Elliott Moore

Ben Nelson

Hidde ter Avest

Jordan Thorniley

MIDFIELDERS

Cameron Brannagan

Idris El Mizouni

Josh McEachran

Ruben Rodrigues

Louie Sibley

Will Vaulks

ATTACKERS

Owen Dale

Siriki Dembele

Malcolm Ebiowei

Kyle Edwards

Will Goodwin

Mark Harris

Matt Phillips

Przemyslaw Placheta

Dane Scarlett

Under-21 players (born on or after January 1, 2003) who do not count towards the squad limit

Marselino Ferdinan

Tyler Goodrham

Richard McIntyre

Max Woltman

Out on loan

Eddie Brearey (Under-21)

Jack Currie

Aidan Elliott-Wheeler (Under-21)

Stuart Findlay

George Franklin (Under-21)

James Golding (Under-21)

Josh Johnson (Under-21)

Jacob Knightbridge (Under-21)

Ed McGinty

Stephan Negru

Gatlin O’Donkor (Under-21)