Centre-back's return boosts options for double-header
has made a timely return to full training with Wimbledon having two games in four days over the Easter weekend.Pim Balkestein
The centre-back (pictured above right winning a header against York) has shaken off the hamstring injury that kept him out for two weeks and he will offer manager Neal Ardley another option in defence for Rotherham away this Friday, followed by Barnet at home on Easter Monday.
, said: “Pim trained yesterday and we put him through a hard session. We will just see how he responds to that and if everything is okay he will be in the squad for Friday.Neil Cox, Wimbledon assistant manager, Dons PlayerSpeaking to
“It is a big time we have coming up with two games in four days and it is just about keeping everyone fit really.”
after his appearance for Wales Under-21s.Jonathan Meades flew back into the country yesterday after playing for the Central African Republic in their 2-0 World Cup qualifying defeat in South Africa and he should make the squad for Rotherham, along with Kelly Youga is still suffering with illness and Neil Cox said it is unlikely that he will feature at Rotherham, though he could be back in contention for Barnet on Monday. Sammy Moore
Neil Cox added that confidence is high heading into a weekend when the Dons could effectively seal survival after a superb run in 2013 that has yielded eight wins.
“I think we knew when we came in that we had to get the players fit so that is what we did in October, November and December,” he added. “Then at the end of the January transfer window we were able to bring players in and they strengthened the squad. We brought characters into the dressing room and everyone seems to be fighting for each other now. There have been a lot of good results in the last few months.”
Dons Player subscribers can watch the full video interview with Neil Cox on our premium site and the thoughts of Jonathan Meades on his return.