AFC Wimbledon manager Johnnie Jackson has confirmed one player will be out for some time. However, unlike first feared, he should be back before the season ends.
The Dons have enjoyed a successful return to the third tier. They are currently 14th, with an outside shot at finishing in the top six. Those slim play-off hopes haven’t been helped by two defeats in a row.
Jackson’s side will be hoping to get back to winning ways this weekend when they face the team directly above them, Peterborough United.
Speaking before the game, Jackson has provided Wimbledon fans with an injury update on midfield loanee James Tilley.
Jackson: “We won’t see him for at least a few week”
Speaking to the Wimbledon website, Jackson confirmed that although he will be missing for some weeks, the injury isn’t as bad as expected:
“Tills [James Tilley] is going to be out a while. At one stage, we thought that might be his season over, but we’re quite hopeful that we will see him again before the end.
“We won’t see him for at least a few weeks. We know how good he’s been and the impact he’s had. Obviously, that’s a blow, that’s a loss to us. We’re grateful for the impact that he did have in the short time that we did have him. Hopefully, he can still have a role to play before the end of the season.”
What Impact Has Tilley Had Since Signing for Wimbledon?
Tilley rejoined the Dons on loan towards the end of the January transfer window from Wycombe Wanderers, who he joined after leaving Wimbledon last summer.
His return had started well, and his injury came after some impressive displays for Jackson’s side.
Since rejoining, he has played nine games for Wimbledon, scoring twice and picking up one assist.
His best performance since joining on loan came at home to Bradford City. Tilley received a Sofascore rating of 8.1 as he scored one of the Dons three goals in their 3-1 victory.
That performance in February was the start of three impressive performances in a row. Tilley went on to receive a 7.7 rating against Mansfield Town, a game he also scored in, and 7.4 against Northampton Town.
Sadly, that form was halted by his injury. Hopefully, he is able to return to action before the season ends and help Wimbledon finish their League One campaign strong.