Dons boss set for ‘late call’ on key forward ahead of Bradford clash
AFC Wimbledon boss Johnnie Jackson says he will make a late call on whether Ayoub Assal will be available for Saturday’s clash at home to Bradford City.
The former England U20 trainee has missed the last two outings – a 2-1 defeat at Sutton on New Year’s Day and a 0-0 draw away with Crewe – due to illness.
Assal has played 31 times in all competitions for the Dons this season, scoring 10 and picking up five assists.
“Not sure yet,” Jackson told the South London Press of whether Assal would be available for Saturday.
“It depends on how he comes through the next couple of sessions. We will make a late call on it.”
Dons captain Alex Woodyard also missed the 0-0 draw with Crewe through injury.
The midfielder, 30, has made 17 appearances so far this season under the former Charlton boss.
“Again, it’s a late call on Woody,” added Jackson.
Picture : Keith Gillard
“Hopefully, he trains tomorrow, comes through it, and is available for selection.
“He hasn’t trained with the group, so it will be a late call on him.”
Bradford – 5th in the League Two table – are just four points ahead of the Dons going into Saturday’s match at Plough Lane.
“It will be a tough game – they’re a good side,” added Jackson.
“They have got really good players. They have a good squad with lots of strength in depth.
“They can make changes and bring in equally as good players – you saw that in the game up at their place when we really took the game to them. We looked like we might get the win, but they made some changes and brought on some really good attacking players and got a point from it.
“It’s a tough game, but they’re a team above us who we want to close the gap to.
“We know if we do get the win against them, we close the gap – that’s what we want to do.”
PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD
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