The U’s are without at least six players for their home clash against Burnley on Saturday, including midfield ace Cameron Brannagan.

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United head coach Buckingham said: “At the moment, we’ve got Shemmy [Przemyslaw Placheta], who picked up an injury in the first couple of games. He will be at least another four weeks.

“We then lost Joe Bennett, and Joe we’re expecting back at the start of January from an ankle injury.

“Matty Phillips had to come off against Preston, and we’re still waiting for a timeframe for Matty at the moment.

“Cam [Brannagan] we’re expecting in six weeks to come back, but that will all be dependent on a scan that will happen in three weeks, just to make sure that is progressing the way we’re all expecting it to.

“Josh [McEachran] had to come off at the weekend with a groin issue, but it’s hopefully something that is short-term.

“He could be in contention for the weekend, but it’s probably more likely the Luton game on the Tuesday, or if not, the Portsmouth game the week after.”

Meanwhile, it’s understood that Will Goodwin is roughly two weeks away from returning following an ankle ligaments injury.