AFC Wimbledon have been given a massive boost ahead of their trip to Barrow this Saturday, as several key players are back in contention for a place in the first team.
It was always one of the key objectives during the summer. Get a squad that has depth and character. The early season results have shown that the Dons have both. They have even managed to navigate through spells when crucial players have been missing.
Recently they have been helped with the return of club captain Jake Reeves, and his central midfield partner Armani Little. With news earlier in the week that two young defenders, Paul Kalambayi and Huseyin Biler, have almost completed their long journeys back from injury, there was more good news from the treatment room.
Key Players Back
Ryan Johnson who has been a leading light in the Dons’ defence so far, is arguably the most important to come back into contention. His niggling neck injury looks to have passed and he should be in the travelling squad. Jackson was pleased that his defence will be bolstered by his return, especially after missing the 1-0 loss to Bradford City last week.
Speaking to the club’s Official Website he said. “I was disappointed for Ryan Johnson to miss out against Bradford. It was just an issue with his neck that meant that he couldn’t play that game, but he’s recovered well, trained and come through that fine. Ryan comes back into our thoughts for the weekend and it’s good to have him.”
Two other players that could well return are Harry Pell and Connor Evans. The pair have not seen much action this season but are key squad players to the Dons’ ambitions this campaign.
“Harry Pell just had a little niggle and couldn’t make it at the back end of last week, but again – nothing too serious. We’ve had him back with the group and there’s been some really good work from both.
“Connor is a talented boy, we did a lot of work on getting him on the ball, along with all of our attacking players, so that we give them that license to create and score. That’s what he can bring to the team. We’ve missed that since he’s been injured because he did so well in the win at Walsall when he scored.
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There should also be a place for a duo that was away on international duty. Ali Al-Hamadi is back after a goalscoring effort for Iraq, and Nik Tzanev made his second appearance for New Zealand, playing a full 90 minutes in goal.
“I’m really pleased for them. Nik played the first game for New Zealand out in Spain against DR Congo and did well. Ali played and scored against Jordan, which was great for him. I’ve touched base and congratulated him on his goal and it’ll be good to get him back in later on in the week.”
Writer’s View
There can be much back-slapping behind the scenes at Wimbledon. Their recruitment has been spot on and the squad has a real feel of a team that can stay in contention for a playoff push. The return of the players from injury and overseas will add competition for places, as well as strengthen a unit that has only lost two games so far this season in the league.
