CHRIS Maguire and Alex MacDonald were kept away from Oxford United's training ground today after picking up a sickness bug.

Head coach Michael Appleton took the decision to avoid the virus spreading any further throughout his playing squad.

It is hoped the pair will recover in time to be available for Saturday's visit to MK Dons in Sky Bet League One.

Appleton said: "We’ve got a couple of illnesses, so we’re hoping that gets dealt with before the weekend.

"We’re keeping them away at the minute.

"I’m sure it will be fine, but we’re just taking precautions.

"We don’t want all of a sudden to have eight or nine players in trouble."

There is better news on Curtis Nelson, who has been out for a month with a foot injury.

The centre half took part in the warm-up for the first time this morning and if there is no reaction he could train fully by the end of next week.