Cardiff City could be without as many as 11 players when they travel to Oxford United on Boxing Day.

The winter is biting hard for Omer Riza's side, who have gone eight games without tasting victory and have a colossal injury list to boot.

On Saturday, Chris Willock added to Riza's injury concerns when he went off just three minutes into the second half. The Bluebirds manager said: "He has hurt his hip-flexor. He just couldn't run. We have to move forward with what we've got and we have to be ready."

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That came after captain Joe Ralls and winger Callum O'Dowda missed the defeat by Sheffield United. Both players are said to be carrying knocks. Sign up to our daily Cardiff City newsletter here.

Perry Ng and Ollie Tanner have also both missed recent matches and Riza confirmed neither were likely to be back for the crucial clash against fellow relegation strugglers Oxford at the Kassam Stadium.

“Callum missed out after picking up an injury in the last game against Stoke," Riza added. "Rallsy has hurt his glute, so we have to assess that one. We will see if they’ll be back for the Oxford game, but they’ll probably be doubtful.

“Perry and Ollie won’t be back for the Oxford game. Depending on how they come through the week, they could potentially be back for the Watford game or the one after.”

Those five add to long-term injury lay-offs for Aaron Ramsey, David Turnbull and Isaak Davies, with return dates for those still some way off. Ryotaro Tsunoda and Kion Etete have both played under-21s football but are unlikely to feature for the first team against the U's.

Meanwhile, it's as yet unknown whether Jamilu Collins will play for Cardiff again. The left-back has not been selected in recent matches against Stoke City and the Blades and Riza has said there is no injury. With January just around the corner, it would be no surprise if he were allowed to leave.

So City will be down to the bare bones again, likely with academy lads on the bench, but Riza insists they have to overcome this eight-match winless run and kickstart something positive to head into the new year.

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"Every game is a big game for us, any points we can pick up is what we need," Riza said. "But this one even more so. It's a big game.

"Two teams at the bottom trying to pick up points. It'll be a tough game and one we need to win."