Russell Martin hopes to be boosted by the return of Rhys Healey for Thursday’s trip to Southend United.
Healey has not featured in a competitive match for MK Dons since suffering a thigh injury prior to the Sky Bet League One clash with Blackpool in September, but Martin is confident the striker will be available for the Boxing Day bout at Roots Hall.
“Rhys will be back involved,” the Dons boss said in his pre-match press conference.
“He missed out at the weekend after playing 45 minutes [in the Central League Cup] but he’ll be back which is good news for us.
“He’s not ready to start every game at the minute but to have him back in the squad is a boost.”
Healey bolsters an MK Dons attack which recently welcomed Sam Nombe back from a spell on the sidelines. The young forward played 45 minutes last weekend at Gillingham and should be involved again at Southend.
“He’s come through really well. Sam’s got a brilliant attitude, as I’ve said before, and he’s put himself right in the frame. Whether he’s ready to start or not, I don’t know but he’ll definitely be involved over the Christmas period.
“He won’t be able to play in all of the next three games after being out for so long so we’re going to have to pick and choose because we need to keep him fresh enough that he can continue to have an impact like he did on Saturday.”
While there is positive news on the attacking front, the Dons look set to remain without the services of Jordan Moore-Taylor over the Christmas period. The defender hasn’t played since exiting the match with Bolton Wanderers last month.
“Jordan is going to take a little longer,” Martin confirmed. “He saw the specialist about his knee, who is quite pleased with it but we still want to be a bit slow with it.
“He won’t be out long term and we’ll look to integrate him over the next few weeks but I don’t think he’ll be involved in these Christmas games.”
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Tickets for the Boxing Day clash with Southend United are priced at £22 adults, £15 over-60s, £14 17-22 year-olds/students and £10 9-16 year-olds while under-9s tickets are priced at just £4.
Official Away Travel is available for this fixture, with coach spaces priced at £17 for Season Ticket holders and members and £18 all other supporters.
To buy tickets click HERE, visit the Box Office at Stadium MK or call 0333 200 5343. Tickets will be available to buy from the Club’s Box Office until 11am on Boxing Day.
