Oxford United forward Deane Smalley has failed to recover from his hamstring injury in time for this afternoon's League Two clash at home to Rochdale.

The 24-year-old forward missed last weekend's 2-2 draw with Wycombe Wanderers, having limped out of the U's 3-1 win over Torquay United seven days earlier.

He was expected to return for today's match at the Kassam Stadium, but failed a late fitness test. Sean Rigg and Jon Meades also remain on the sidelines for Oxford.

Meanwhile, Rochdale forward George Donnelly returns for the visitors after missing last weekend's 1-0 defeat at Plymouth due to the birth of his son. Defender Peter Cavanagh serves the final game of his three-match ban.

Oxford: Clarke, Newey, Wright, Kitson, Constable, Potter, Hunt, Hall, Whing, Rose, Mullins
Subs: Raynes, Williams, Davies, Marsh, Crocombe, O'Dowda, Ruffels

Rochdale: Lillis, Bennett, Lancashire, O'Connell, Rose, Vincenti, Brian Barry-Murphy, Lund, Henderson, Donnelly, Hogan
Subs: Thomson, Eastham, Gray, Hery, Vidal, Done, Bunney