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# U

- **Source:** 
- **Published:** 24 Jul
- **Club:** Oxford United
- **Original URL:** https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/sport/26406351.oxford-united-ramsey-mills-de-keersmaecker-absences/?ref=rss

Oxford United head coach Aaron Ramsey has opened up on the absences of Stan Mills and Brian De Keersmaecker in his side's 3-1 win over Aldershot Town in pre-season.

The U's won their first match under ex-Arsenal and Premier League midfielder Ramsey thanks to strikes from Aidomo Emakhu, Galtin O'Donkor and Jeon Jin-woo after going a goal down.

Ramsey confirmed that the club are committed to keeping the current playing squad intact after being hit with a registration embargo earlier this month.

United returned from a week-long warm-weather training camp in Spain on Sunday.

Stan Mills, Brian De Keersmaecker and Siriki Dembele were notable absentees from the trip to Aldershot on Tuesday, with the Yellows boss detailing the reasons for their missing out.

South Korean winger Jin-woo was also withdrawn through injury minutes after scoring his goal at the EBB Stadium.

Oxford United winger Stan Mills challenges for a header (Image: Jason Dawson)

"Stan was ill, so he didn't come away with us, but he's been back training now for the next couple of days and will start with the team tomorrow," Ramsey confirmed.

"Brian as well; he came away to pre-season [in Spain] with us, but he's got a bit of an illness as well.

"These things are always going to happen.

READ MORE: Oxford United's O'Donkor praises Aaron Ramsey expertise

READ MORE: Aaron Ramsey praises Oxford United owners after embargo

"You're never going to have everybody available at one time, but we'll manage this and we'll get them in the best possible shape for the beginning of the season.

"Jin-woo got a bit of a stiff back. The medical team will deal with that tomorrow and give their assessments on that.

Oxford United winger Jeon Jin-woo (Image: Oxford United)

"I have been really impressed by him so far. He took his goal really well.

"We started him in that sort of pocket, and we know that he can press and he's a danger in them positions.

"The finish and the calmness and composure to do that was brilliant."

Mills and De Keersmaecker have both garnered reported interest from Championship clubs in recent weeks, with Blackburn Rovers and Queens Park Rangers apparently keen on the latter according to reporter Pete O'Rourke.

Oxford United midfielder Brian De Keersmaecker (Image: Jason Dawson)

After falling out of favour last year, midfielder Dembele has an opportunity to stake his claim for a spot in Ramsey's squad this season amid the embargo.

"I've been very impressed by the way he's been training," the 35-year-old head coach said regarding Dembele.

"He's a threat. "He's so sharp in his movements. He's going to cause defenders problems this year.

"He took a whack yesterday and got a bit of a dead leg so we thought it was best to leave him out."

The three initial absentees are expected to feature in the rest of pre-season, with United travelling to face League Two side Barnet at 3pm on Saturday.