MK Dons signed Sonny Finch on loan from Middlesbrough on transfer deadline day but the 19-year-old suffered an injury on his League Two debut against Salford City on Monday.
The Dons fell to a disappointing 1-0 defeat at the Peninsula Stadium and could not build on their previous 3-0 victory over Carlisle. Mike Williamson’s outfit conceded just before half time and failed to net an equaliser.
However, the Buckinghamshire side performed positively, with 16 shots and 1.47 expected goals, per Footy Stats. Finch also provided a bright spark, coming off the bench around the hour mark and attempting two shots, with one on target, as reported by Whoscored. The teenager also tested Salford goalkeeper Jamie Jones and showed glimpses of quality with a mazy run down the right wing as the Dons pushed for an equaliser.
Finch did not last until the end of the match after sustaining a heavy blow to his back and was subbed off again in the final minute. It was a frustrating end to the game for the Middlesbrough loanee and Williamson as Finch could join the Dons’ other injured absentees Nico Lawrence, Matt Dennis and Jonathan Leko.
89: Sonny Finch has his debut come to an early end. We hope you’re okay, Sonny. 🤍
🔴 1-0 ⚪️ | #COYD | @PenningsARC pic.twitter.com/ZeqbjKScRo
— Milton Keynes Dons (@MKDonsFC) September 2, 2024
Speaking about Finch’s injury blow post-match, Williamson said it was a forceful tackle that left the forward in pain. Moreover, the Dons’ boss explained to the MK Citizen that Finch’s injury could be a bitter blow following his positive start to life in League Two.
“He’s in a lot of pain. It’s really disappointing. He’s come in, he’s only had one day to train. He’s got a lot of pace, he’s clinical and he was getting chances. But he took a nasty hit, so we’ll have to monitor him.”
Despite finishing in the League Two play-offs last season, MK Dons have struggled early in the 2024/25 campaign are are 19th in the table. They have notched just one victory in all competitions, lost four and conceded 10 goals.
Writer’s View
Williamson’s comments suggest that Finch showed match readiness in his first few days before the Salford fixture. In addition, he looked impressive in his 30-minute cameo against the Ammies. Ultimately, this makes a potential injury setback even more frustrating for both the player and the club. However, all parties will hope the extent of the back injury isn’t too severe.
Moreover, the Dons now have several first-team players out through injury, which could further impact their form early this season. The games are also coming thick and fast, with a quick turnaround before a home clash against Walsall and a rivalry trip to AFC Wimbledon on September 14.
Be the first to comment