MacDonald and O'Dowda Return to Training

Wingers return ahead of Saturday's big game

There was good news for the U’s this morning with both Callum O’Dowda and Alex MacDonald reporting for training.

The wing pair have missed the last two games with tonsillitis but trained train today and could be in contention as United welcome Hartlepool to the Kassam Stadium on Saturday.

“It’s good to have them, back “ Head Coach Michael Appleton told Yellow Player HD. “They are both feeling a lot better and will be involved in training today. I wouldn’t expect their energy levels to be 100% today but we will take a look and see how strong they are. Hopefully they then step things up again tomorrow and are ready to play some part on Saturday.”

Alex MacDonald told Yellow Player HD “I feel much, much better. The last 48 hours have seen a big improvement and I’m just happy to be back around the place and hopefully involved on Saturday.”

Kemar Roofe and John Lundstram are expected to train tomorrow after ankle injuries, with Sam Long hoping to be back in training next week. However, defender Jordan Evans’ season is over after he fractured a rib on Tuesday at Newport.

“That’s his season done” Michael confirmed. “He has done really well for us but not had the best of luck with injuries. The good thing is that the broken rib didn’t do any damage to his lung, which is potentially very serious, but he will be out for six weeks.
“We do have options there. Josh Ruffels did well on Tuesday when he came on, Jake Wright has played there a fair amount and we can always move Jonjoe Kenny over. We will weigh those things up over the next couple of days.”

See the full interview with Michael and videos with Alex MacDonald and Jake Wright in Yellow Player HD today.

Make sure you are here to support the U’s on Saturday. Call 01865 337533 or visit www.oufctickets.co.uk to book your place as Oxford United take on Hartlepool United