David Fox could be set to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Wayne Rooney and use an oxygen chamber in his quest for fitness.

The Colchester United midfielder has been suffering from a rib injury over recent weeks.

Fox received a blow to the area during a training session in the build-up to the U’s FA Cup tie at Hereford United, last weekend.

The 25-year-old former Manchester United trainee was forced to sit out the game at Edgar Street as a result.

But Colchester manager Aidy Boothroyd is keen for his cultured midfielder to return to action quickly.

And Boothroyd hinted that the U’s may adopt an unconventional healing technique, in order to cure Fox of his problem.

Boothroyd told the Gazette: “David has taken a whack on his ribs.

“He had a knock on there anyway and it has inflamed it.

“We hope it will settle down in a couple of weeks.

“We will look at this oxygen chamber and portable centre and all that carry on for him.

“Who knows, the advances of medical science might get him out on the pitch.”

The use of oxygen chambers in sport has grown over recent years.

England star Rooney used one ahead of the 2006 World Cup, in a bid to help him recover from a metatarsal injury.

And cricketer Simon Jones used the technique during England’s victorious Ashes series, in 2005.

Those who use such a chamber breathe in 100 per cent oxygen, compared to the 21 per cent found in normal air.

The pressure in the chamber increases oxygen and can help reduce inflammation, speeding up the healing process.

Clive Platt could be recalled in attack at Brentford tonight at the expense of Steven Gillespie.

And Anthony Wordsworth could be recalled in place of Simon Hackney, after performing well as a substitute at Hereford.