Wally Downes said that Andy Barcham has not recovered in time to be in contention for the League One match at Sunderland on Saturday.
The winger has not been able to shake off the hamstring injury that kept him out of the Emirates FA Cup tie against West Ham. Forward James Hanson (groin) is progressing well, but Saturday’s game will also come too soon for his return.
Speaking during an update for iFollow, Wally said: “Barchy is struggling, he did his hamstring last week on the 3G surface that we had to train on. He hasn’t progressed as quickly as we thought. Rod has come through since Saturday and everybody is fine after that match. James Hanson has started running today. I have no complaints about the size of the squad. Steve Seddon is back in full training so he is in the squad as well.”
Egli Kaja is back in light training after shaking off the knee injury that has kept him out since he returned from a loan spell at Scottish Premiership side Livingston.
Our manager has called on his players to build on the swashbuckling cup display that put Premier League West Ham to the sword. Fifth placed Sunderland at the Stadium of Light promises to be a completely different kind of test for The Dons to come through.
“The players need to be strong enough mentally to take the performance that we gave the other night - we’ve shown them why it was good - and not be affected by the result. They’ve got to remember how we played (against West Ham) and what made us effective and have the humility to work as hard again. The players have to perform.”
The full interview with Wally is available to watch by clicking on the link to our iFollow channel above. It includes an update on Wally's search for new signings, ahead of tonight's 11.00 pm transfer deadline, and a look ahead to facing Sunderland.