Captain facing longer injury lay-off
Neal Ardley today confirmed that Barry Fuller will require an operation and he is likely to be out until the summer.
Our captain suffered an injury to his pectoral muscle in the draw against Charlton earlier this month and feedback from specialists concluded that it will not heal naturally.
Speaking during an interview for Dons Player, Neal said: “We had found out on Monday evening that the news was quite positive and Barry would not need an operation. They felt it would heal and it would probably take about six weeks. We sent the scans off to two or three specialists just to confirm that, but they have come back saying this does need an operation and it will nor repair.
“We had that news on Wednesday morning, which was a bit of a blow, particularly for Barry. That now puts him out for more of a five-month period. He should have the operation on Saturday morning and should it be successful we would be looking to have him back in pre-season training around mid-July. Most of his season from now would have gone missing anyway, but he would have had the summer to get himself right. This just eats into the summer. Obviously, we wish him all the best. Barry is a very influential character and he will be missed by us all.
“It’s tough because he will have a period of time when he will not be able to come in. Hopefully, once he has had the initial recovery period after the operation he can start getting in and around the boys again. Even when you cannot train, just being in and around the squad is a positive thing and that’s what we hope to do before the season ends.”
Barry Fuller has once again produced another consistent season, making 35 appearances in all competitions during AFC Wimbledon’s first campaign in League One. All at AFC Wimbledon wish Barry well in his recuperation.
.Dons PlayerNeal Ardley’s full interview, including team news for Walsall on Saturday, is now on