JAMIE Mackie is among a quartet of Oxford United players who will miss tonight’s pre-season friendly at Oxford City (7.45).

The veteran forward missed Sunday’s 5-0 defeat at Rangers, but is expected to feature at either Thame United tomorrow or Brackley Town on Thursday.

U’s boss Karl Robinson said: “He tried a backheel in training and his heel hit the floor and jarred his lower back.

“He’s done all the running, but there’s a reason he’s not shown any flair in his whole career.”

City’s artificial surface also means Rob Hall, Mark Sykes and Jamie Hanson will not be involved this evening as they manage minor knee issues.

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It is the home side’s first friendly of pre-season, but they have had five sessions under their belts.

And boss Mark Jones is looking forward to the game.

He said: “Playing League One opposition is a test.

“I thank Karl for bringing the team down, they don’t have to play us but it’s a good game and hopefully they will get something out of it as well.”

Like their visitors, City will not take any chances on player fitness tonight.

Craig King, Zac McEachran (both knee) and Ben Jefford (ankle) are close to a return, but tonight comes too soon.

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They are also without Tarik Moore-Azille, who is unable to head a ball while he recovers from laser eye surgery.

Jones, whose side will play a behind-closed-doors game against MK Dons at a neutral venue on Friday, said: “A lot of them are doing the training, but some aren’t match-fit.

“The most important thing is we have these key players available at the start of August.”