Manager Chris Wilder is hoping Oxford's start to the season is not hampered after a number of his players succumbed to injury.
Michael Duberry, Liam Davis, Peter Leven and Andrew Whing are all struggling with injuries as the League Two campaign approaches.
Wilder, whose saw a host of players sidelined towards the end of last season, told BBC Radio Oxford: "We are a touch light and the group have to get through that and we will do our best like we always have done.
"We've still got a few of our main players out which is not the greatest of situations. We've got a squad of 22 and there is a big bulk of them missing.
"Michael (Duberry) goes in for his operation next week and he will be out for the longest, then Liam Davis. Peter Leven and Andrew Whing will be out until early September.
"It can't be rushed and we will go with what we've got."
