Oxford United's relegation battle with West Brom takes a hit as midfielder Brian De Keersmaecker is ruled out for the rest of the season. The Belgian midfielder, who hasn't played since a shoulder injury in January, will undergo surgery and miss the remainder of the Championship campaign. De Keersmaecker, who joined Oxford from Heracles Almelo last summer, had been a key player, scoring twice and setting up five goals in 26 appearances. Oxford United's season has been a struggle, currently sitting second from bottom in the Championship with just six points to their name. Manager Matt Bloomfield's side has gone winless in six league games and has only won once in the last 11, drawing four and losing six. The team's poor form is reflected in their goal-scoring record, with only relegated Sheffield Wednesday scoring fewer goals since the turn of the year. Oxford's leading scorer, Will Lankshear, has gone eight league games without a goal, adding to the team's struggles. After a recent 2-1 defeat at Stoke, Bloomfield acknowledged the team's inconsistencies, stating that they didn't match their performance levels from the previous week. He emphasized the need for a more solid approach, especially away from home, and expressed confidence in the team's ability to improve and achieve better results.
