EIGHT injured Dons will have to battle through the pain barrier to aid the club’s quest for promotion.
Boss Karl Robinson has revealed the extent of his side’s injury woes and said that some of the problems are long-term complaints.
But the walking wounded – mostly attacking players – are prepared to play on anyway as Dons search for glory.
It does mean that Robinson will be forced into regular reshuffles of his pack, with unchanged sides unlikely.
“The top four isn’t picked on performances at the moment, it’s picked on who is the fittest,” Robinson told MKNEWS.
“Our back four and the two holding midfielders generally pick themselves, but with the other four it’s whoever is ready to play and we’re guided by the physio and fitness coach.
“We’ve got to manage who can play and when they can play.
AlanSmith, Luke Chadwick, Charlie MacDonald, Dean Lewington and James Tavernier are among the injured.
Winger PaulSlane, a deadline day loan signing from Celtic, is also struggling with a knock and he has yet to arrive at Dons.
Robinson has asked the Scottish club to look after his rehabilitation to avoid further strain on a crowded treatment room.
The manager is still hoping to bolster his ranks by adding forward thinking players during the loan window.
He said:“It’s a massive juggling act at the moment but the players are responding really well. There are long term injuries, but they can all play through them.
“I know in years gone by that a lot of players at this club might not have taken the field, but these players don’t want to miss a single kick.”
