Oxford United boss Aaron Ramsey opens up on Jamie McDonnell injury

The Northern Ireland international was withdrawn after nine minutes in Oxford’s 1-1 draw with Cambridge United before the pause in League One action.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