MK Dons defender Laurence Maguire has taken a significant step towards his return to action after completing his first full training session since the turn of the year.
The 28-year-old has been sidelined since Boxing Day after suffering a hamstring tear in the 2-0 defeat to Notts County.
Boost for MK Dons as Maguire Nears Return
With head coach Scott Lindsey facing a defensive crisis, Maguire’s progress is a welcome boost. The Dons have been without Nathan Thompson, Jack Sanders, and Sam Sherring due to injuries, leaving the squad stretched at the back.
“It’s really pleasing to see him out there. It was the first time he’s ticked all the boxes and finished the whole session,” Lindsey said. “Whether he has done enough to be in the squad for Saturday or not remains to be seen.”
MK Dons have struggled in Maguire’s absence, with results dipping since his injury. Lindsey admitted that the defender’s experience has been sorely missed.
“We’ve certainly missed him – we were winning games when he was playing and we’ve been losing when he was out. It goes to show what a big miss he has been,” the manager added. “He knows what the game needs, he has that experience, and we’ve probably not had that recently.”
Jack Sanders Making Progress
In addition to Maguire’s return to training, there is some positive news regarding Jack Sanders, who has been out with a kidney infection. The defender was hospitalised for several days but is now on the road to recovery.
“Jack Sanders has had a blood test this week, and the markers are positive, so he could start training again next week,” Lindsey confirmed.
Despite this encouraging update, Sanders is unlikely to feature in the upcoming fixtures against Colchester United and Accrington Stanley but could return to training later in the week.
Who Is Laurence Maguire?
Maguire began his career at Chesterfield, captaining the academy before signing a professional contract in 2015. He made his senior debut in 2016 and scored his first goal that December. Loan spells followed at AFC Fylde in 2017 and Crawley Town in 2023–24. After being released by Chesterfield in 2024, he joined Milton Keynes Dons, debuting in August and scoring his first goal in November in a comeback win over Cheltenham Town.
Writer’s View
Maguire’s return comes at a vital time for MK Dons, who have struggled without his presence at the back. His leadership and defensive awareness could make a big difference as the team looks to get their season back on track. With Sanders also making progress, Lindsey may soon have more options available, but ensuring the squad remains fit for the remainder of the season will be key to any potential turnaround.
