AFC Wimbledon vs Southend United preview - Shea blow for Dons

Posted Tuesday, March 03, 2015 by PA

AFC Wimbledon will be without goalkeeper James Shea when they host Southend.

Shea faces a spell on the sidelines after suffering a fractured ankle during Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Hartlepool so youngster Joe McDonnell is in line to make his full Dons debut.

Defender Jake Goodman (broken toe) and winger George Francomb (hamstring) have returned to full training following injury lay-offs but they will not be risked just yet.

Centre-half Mark Phillips was an unused sub at the weekend after completing a three-match ban and will be hoping to face his former club.

Southend manager Phil Brown has injury concerns over all three of his goalkeepers.

England Under-19 international Ted Smith was the only shot-stopper available at the weekend and he suffered a second-half knock which has left Brown considering a loan switch.

First-choice keeper Daniel Bentley faces another fitness test after missing out at the weekend with a groin injury which forced him to hand over goal-kicking responsibilities in the previous fixture, while Paul Smith has been complaining of issues with his back and calf and could therefore not make the bench against Carlisle.

The Shrimpers' only outfield absentee is likely to be Mads Ibenfeldt (foot).