INJURY LATEST
Head physio Simon Crampton brings us the latest news from the treatment room, including the latest on recent injury victims Mark Wright and Willy Gueret . . .
As expected at this time of year, the treatment room has been busy with the usual blisters and tired legs that occur during pre-season training.
It's been important that we monitor the boys and ensure they're all doing the right things to maximise their recovery from training.
There's been a couple of extra knocks, starting with Mark Wright . . .
Mark Wright (dead leg)
Wrighty sustained a nasty dead leg towards the end of the Portugal trip. Although they're not a long-term problem, dead legs can lead to further complications if not treated correctly and the player is rushed back, which is not something we want to happen at this stage of the season!
He's over the worst of it now, he joined in full training today (Monday) and will be in contention to play against Sheffield Wednesday tomorrow.
Willy Gueret (hip)
Willy has a minor niggle with one of his hip flexors. Again, this is not something of serious concern but at this time of year there's no need to take any risks.
He was left out on Saturday as a precaution and, given that the injury is to his kicking leg, he'll most likely sit out tomorrow as well.
Paul Mitchell (leg)
As I mentioned on Dons World after the game on Saturday, Mitch's return is the reward for 18 months of hard graft. He came through those 30 minutes unscathed, with no reaction and has trained again fully today.
All in all it's been a very positive week for Mitch but we'll obviously be keeping a close eye on him as he builds up to full match fitness.
Danny Swailes (Achilles)
Swaz, myself and the rest of the medical team felt that his progress had begun to plateau and thus we deemed it necessary for him to undergo a second dry-needling procedure.
This is something we thought might be necessary following the initial procedure on his Achilles. Swaz went down to London last Monday to have this done and has responded very well. He's already reporting that the injury feels a lot better than it had previously.
Over the next week he'll start increasing the amount of work he does and then, all being well, he'll begin running drills. Once we're happy he's running with no reaction he'll start full training.
Drissa Diallo (shoulder)I took Drissa to see the specialist last Friday and we're very pleased with the progress he's made since his operation.
We're now working intensively to improve his muscle strength and stability around the shoulder and I'm hoping he can join full training within a week.
Kevin Gallen (toe)As previously reported, Kev had a minor operation on his right toe and I'm pleased to say we started some running rehab today.
That all passed well so we'll step that up over the next week and it won't be long before he integrates into full training.
Sam Baldock (ankle)Sam took a kick to his ankle during the game on Saturday, which has resulted in some bruising around the ankle joint.
He's been in for treatment all day today and will be again tomorrow, at which time we'll make a decision as to whether he will be involved tomorrow night.
