When Dean Lewington limped off in the 58th minute against Shrewsbury Town early last week, many expected him to miss out on Sunday’s FA Cup clash with AFC Wimbledon.
tomorrow lunchtime.mkstadiumAlthough still a concern, the 28-year-old Dons captain is confident that he will be ready to lead his team out of the tunnel at
After missing the 5-1 victory over Colchester United last Saturday, only the fourth time he has sat out a game in two seasons, the powerful full-back is eager to make a return against Neil Ardley’s side and help the Dons through to the Third Round of English football’s most prestigious cup competition.
Speaking before the game, Lewington said: “I’m hoping to be fit to play. Everything’s okay and although I’m in the middle of rehab at the moment, all the signs say I’ll be okay for the game.
“I was worried when I came off against Shrewsbury. It did run through my mind that I might miss this game as with a hamstring injury it can feel very sore for a couple of days and so there was a little bit of panic.
“Luckily, we’ve got a fantastic medical department that have been great with me and have put in the hours to get me right. There’s not much we’ve been able to do except for the routine things. It’s just lots of ice, lots of boring exercises and unfortunately listening to Simon Crampton for more than you need too. It’s just about putting in the hours.
“Missing games is not something I enjoy as it’s not something that’s happened too often in the past.”
With a place in the Third Round of the Cup and a potential tie against a Premier League club up for grabs, Lewington and the Dons will be keen to continue their good run of form and extend their unbeaten run to nine games in front of the ITV1 cameras.
“We’re looking forward to playing in front of the cameras again as it will be great chance for us to show the world what we think we do best and that’s play football. A couple of weeks ago we got tremendous plaudits for the way we played against Tranmere on Sky and we’d like for it to be the same on Sunday.
“November has been a good month. We’ve had four good wins in the League against good opposition, including the top two. The clean-sheets as well, it’s all come on well.
“Even the Shrewsbury game was excellent because we didn’t play so well but we managed to show a bit of resolve and fight to earn draw which has helped to kick things on. We come into the game in very good form.”
