The Northern Ireland international was withdrawn after nine minutes in Oxford’s 1-1 draw with Cambridge United before the pause in League One action.

McDonnell then withdrew from the national team squad due to the hamstring injury.

The 22-year-old had started all six of his side’s opening league fixtures before his setback, scoring his first goal for the club in a 4-0 away win at Leicester City last month.

Ahead of the U’s visit to Notts County on Saturday, head coach Aaron Ramsey touched on the extent of the midfielder’s injury.

Oxford United midfielder Jamie McDonnell (Image: Oxford United)

“He’s still obviously a few weeks away,” Ramsey disclosed.

“He’s still relatively early in his rehab.

“Obviously, Jamie has been fantastic early in the early parts of the season and been instrumental in everything that we’ve built our performances on at the moment.

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“He’s a big miss.

“But we’ve got a squad full of quality players as well who are more than capable of coming in and playing games at a high level.

“So, for us, it’s just making sure that Jamie’s in the best possible place again for when he returns, that he’s ready to hit the ground running again.”

It is likely that the former Nottingham Forest man will be the majority of the remainder of the calendar year due to his injury.

Possible replacements for McDonnell during his absence include Louie Sibley, who came on and impressed in the draw with Cambridge, Tyler Goodrham, should the Yellows opt for a more attacking alternative, and 18-year-old Harrison Bradney, who scored on his professional debut against Exeter in the Jersey Mike’s Trophy on Tuesday.

The team will host Swindon Town on Sunday, October 11, at 2pm in the FA Women’s National League Southern Premier Division, with a special ticket offer of £5 for one adult and one child.

Liam Gilbert’s side have started the season with six straight wins and have yet to concede a goal.

They return to Marsh Lane following a hard-fought 1-0 victory over second-placed AFC Bournemouth, despite playing the entire second half with 10 players.

A spokesperson for Oxford United Women said: “Bring your family and friends for what is set to be an exciting match against our local rivals.

“The team are in excellent form and need your backing as they aim to extend their lead at the top of the table.”

Visitors Swindon Town, promoted to the third tier last season, currently sit 10th in the division.

They picked up a point in a goalless draw against AFC Wimbledon in their most recent match.

Sunday’s fixture coincides with the Oxford Half Marathon, and supporters are advised to plan their journeys accordingly.

Road closures will be in effect from 7.30am to 1.30pm, including Marsh Lane and both A40 slip roads.

Fans arriving before 1.30pm can access the MGroup Stadium via the southbound route from Elsfield Road or Woodeaton Lane onto Marsh Lane.

People arriving after the half marathon and showing a race medal at the turnstiles will receive half-price entry.

Food, drink, and club merchandise will be available at the ground.

The youngster scored his first goal for the U’s on his professional debut, bagging his side’s first goal after half an hour in a 2-2 draw in the Jersey Mike’s Trophy.

Aaron Ramsey’s side came from behind twice to level the scores at St James Park before losing 4-3 in a penalty shootout which saw the Grecians pick up an extra point.

Bradney, who has been at Oxford since the age of seven, played the full 90 minutes in Devon and impressed in midfield just as he did in pre-season, tucking away Luka Lynch’s ball across with composure.

“Surreal,” the 18-year-old exclaimed after the match

“I broke into the box and, obviously as a midfielder, I try and get on the end of things and try and add goals to my games, so to do that on my debut is a surreal feeling.

“It’s something I’ve worked really hard for for a long time.

“I’m trying to be a player that plays league games and I’ve been at the club since I was seven so it’s all I know.

“The club means the world to me so I’m trying to get as many games as I can. I’ve got to keep working hard.

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“I know that it’s really tough because there’s so many good players in the team but…I believe I can.”

The young player has been handed an opportunity by new head coach and former Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey and is thriving under his tutelage.

“It’s been amazing,” Bradney continued.

“I feel like for me as a player, as a young midfielder, I feel like I can’t really ask for anything better than him.

“The way he’s come in and put his faith into me and played me in pre-season has been amazing.

“I’m just trying to work hard every day and train as hard as I can to try and develop and repay some of the faith that he’s put in me.”

The match against Exeter unfortunately ended with a saved penalty in the cup competition which will only become an important learning curve in the teenager’s development.

“I’m always trying to put my name forward to take penalties or take big moments in the game and that’s just the sort of player I am.

“I’m trying to be impactful in the game and I’m not afraid to fail.

“So, I know that in a game like this, I believed and I backed myself that I would score and I’ve practised that so many times.

“It’s just so frustrating that I’ve not scored today.

“It’s really, really disappointing, but I’ll definitely keep working and take the next one for sure and hopefully it’ll be a different outcome.”