Team news ahead of match at Tranmere
Wimbledon will check on the fitness of George Francomb before selecting a squad for Saturday’s League 2 match at Tranmere Rovers.
Francomb (pictured) missed the victory against Portsmouth with an oblique muscle strain (side strain) and Neil Cox confirmed that the winger is doubtful for the trip to Merseyside.
Speaking during an interview for Dons Player, Neil Cox said: “We will have a look at George tomorrow. I would say he is 50/50. Everyone else is fine, though we have one or two long-term injuries, including Callum Kennedy being out for four or five weeks. We have a good squad and we will include a couple of lads who have done well in the Under-21s.”
Midfielder Dannie Bulman serves the final game of his three-match suspension on Saturday.
Despite the absence of manager Neal Ardley, who was due to undergo a hip operation today, Neil Cox added that preparations have gone smoothly - and the squad know exactly what they will face against a side fighting relegation.
“We had organised what would happen this week and there is nothing different really in training,” said Cox. “It is just a different voice because I took training today. Everything has gone really well and the lads have worked really hard. They knew the situation with the manager because he explained it to them. Credit to the boys, they have come in and just got on with their jobs.
“We have worked hard on our shape to get ready for the Tranmere game. We have looked at their formation and how we are going to stop them playing, but also on how we are going to try and win the game. We will try to get down the wings and hopefully get some balls in for the boys up front to feed off and score goals.
“We have a young partnership at the back and it is going to be a hard test for them. Tranmere are going to be big and strong up front and we will have to be up for a battle.”
Craig Tanner was instrumental in last Saturday’s win against Portsmouth and Neil Cox believes it will be a matter of time before the on-loan Reading striker hits the goal trail.
“Craig has come into his own in the last couple of games,” said Neil. “He has realised what we brought him in for and he has worked really hard. He just needs a little bit of luck because it does not seem to be dropping for him. We scored from the good opportunity that he had last week. He is getting fitter and stronger and the players know what his strengths are.”
Dons Player subscribers can watch the full video interview with Neil Cox on our premium channel.