Aaron Ramsey gives Oxford injury update on Jin-woo, Roosken

The U’s have two cup fixtures ahead of them before the final international break of the calendar year, facing Stevenage in the FA Cup on Saturday before hosting Cheltenham Town in the Jersey Mike’s Trophy on Tuesday night.

Oxford go into the clash with Stevenage off the back of a 2-0 win over rivals Reading which saw them extend their League One unbeaten run to 10 games.

With another pause in league action on the horizon, it begs the question as to how close long-term absentees Jin-woo and Roosken are to returning to the pitch.

Both players picked up injuries in pre-season and have yet to make an appearance this season.

Explaining their possible return and timeframe, Ramsey said: “They’ve both been training with the team, so they’re progressing really nicely.

“Obviously, we’re still guided as well with the guys here who’ve done great work with them.

“They’ve both been in full training now. They’re going to have to build up their minutes as well.

Oxford United wing back Ruben Roosken (Image: Oxford United)

“What they’ve got through in training and the loads that they’ve done over the last few weeks has been really encouraging for us.”

When asked if supporters are most likely to the duo back on the pitch after the international break, the United head coach replied: “Maybe, but we’ll see.

“They’re in a position now where they will need some minutes over the coming weeks.

“When we do that, we’ll sit down and make the best decisions for them.”

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Oxford United’s Jeon Jin-woo (Image: Jason Dawson)

Ramsey also touched on the knock that centre back Michal Helik had picked up against Barnsley before then being withdrawn early in the win over Reading, saying: “Mish had a knock against Barnsley. He got through the week.

“He’s in a bit of an awkward position with a little bit of swelling.

“It can be a pretty sore one. Just managing that now over the next few days and seeing how that settles down.

“We’ll see whether he’ll be in the squad or not tomorrow and then go from there.”

As a manager who likes to rotate, fans can expect more of the same from Ramsey for the Yellows’ FA Cup First Round fixture on Saturday.

The U’s host a Stevenage side whom they have already beaten once this season, winning 2-1 away from home in the former Arsenal midfielder’s first competitive victory in charge.

Ramsey won three FA Cup titles with the Gunners and will be hoping for more success as a head coach.

He continued: “Obviously, it’s a competition that I’ve had a lot of success in.

“It means a lot to me and some of the experiences that you get in this competition are some of the best.”