‘I’ve got a lot of faith in him’ – AFC Wimbledon boss says young forward’s injury return is like a new signing

AFC Wimbledon boss Johnnie Jackson says Aron Sasu’s return to matchday action feels like a new signing to his squad.

Academy graduate Sasu has returned to full fitness after missing the first half of the season due to a hamstring injury he suffered in the pre-season friendly against Brentford.

The 19-year-old had impressed at left wing-back in the build-up to the new season and is highly rated at Plough Lane.

Croydon-born Sasu returned against Crawley in the EFL Trophy in October but suffered the same injury again and was back on the treatment table.

He has come off the bench in past five league outings since being available again for selection.

“I’m really pleased to have him back,” Jackson, who has spoken before about how highly he rates Sasu’s potential, told the South London Press.

“He’s a player I’ve got really high hopes for – we all have as a club.

“I’ve seen a lot from this boy and I’ve got a lot of faith in him.

“He was flying in pre-season and giving me real food for thought around team selection and playing him.

“He got that injury in the penultimate friendly. He got back and played against Crawley, but had a recurrence.

“He’s basically been out since the start of pre-season. To get him back feels almost like a new signing.

“We have high hopes for him, but he has to go and do it now.

“He will get opportunities. We want to stop talking about his potential and start talking about what he has been doing.

“He hasn’t started one yet but he’s coming on and featuring. He’s getting stronger and better in training each time.

“If he carries on, he will be in the conversation about starting games and being a forward option for us.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD