OXFORD United have stepped up their efforts to sign a winger after Malachi Napa was sidelined by a broken right leg.

The forward had surgery yesterday on the injury he suffered in Tuesday’s 1-0 win against Peterborough United.

While it is too early to estimate the recovery time, it is clear the 20-year-old will miss a significant chunk of the season.

The U’s were already eyeing another pacy wide player, with Napa a candidate to make room by going out on loan.

And for head coach Karl Robinson it is now a matter of urgency.

He said: “We’ll see what happens over the next 48 hours.

“I think it’s now a necessity we bring someone in to replace Malachi because we’re a body short there. If it was up to me they’d be in here today.

Also read: Malachi Napa will get support he needs from Oxford United – Karl Robinson

“There are two players we’ve highlighted who we think will make us better. It’s something we’ll try to do this week.”

Part of the reason for Robinson’s desire for a quick response is the workload facing his side.

Their Carabao Cup win in midweek means they will play eight matches in August.

The U’s boss said: “What you don’t want to do is what we did last year, which was overload the players who are fit and all of a sudden they start picking up niggles.

“We don’t have a problem (now), but we don’t want to cause one by over-playing.

“We have a massive load of games coming up.

“I’ve always said my team plays with energy, but I need two players in every position to rotate them, otherwise you do get injuries.”

An extra option would be useful in the short term, with new striker Dan Agyei still at least a week away from being ready to feature, while winger Tariqe Fosu sat out training yesterday with a hamstring issue.

While it is minor, United do not want to risk a more serious problem so will decide today if he will travel north for Saturday’s Sky Bet League One game at Blackpool.

On top of a winger, United are still pushing for an extra front man.

Bristol City appeared to play down the significance of Matty Taylor watching the U’s match on Saturday, but the striker was left out of their squad on Tuesday night.

Robinson had admitted there were “two or three” targets in the crowd at the weekend, but was tight-lipped yesterday when asked if there was any progress.