AFC Wimbledon boss provides injury update on defender ahead of Colchester clash
AFC Wimbledon boss Johnnie Jackson has provided an injury update on Alex Pearce.
The former Millwall centre-back was forced off after seven minutes during Wimbledon’s 2-2 draw with Bradford City last Saturday.
Pearce, 33, has started every League Two game this season under Johnnie Jackson since signing on a free transfer over the summer following his release from Millwall.
The former Republic of Ireland international, who won nine caps during his career, has more than 300 professional appearances in league football to his name.
This was the first season in his career that Pearce had been playing football in League Two.
The Dons take on Colchester United at home this Saturday.
“Pearcy tweaked his groin in that game,” Jackson told the South London Press.
“As you would imagine, someone coming off that early in the game, you’re unlikely to play the next game.
“We don’t think it’s anything serious. We’re hopeful that we’re not going to miss him for a big period of time, but the weekend might come a little bit too soon for him.”
Bristol City loanee Ryley Towler, 20, replaced Pearce in the opening stages at Valley Parade and helped keep Andy Cook, who has eight goals already to his name this season, at bay.
“We know what Pearcy brings. In Alex Woodyard’s absence, he’s been our captain – he’s a leader on the pitch. He brings a calmness and composure in possession as well,” added Jackson.
“If he doesn’t play, Ryley Towler came in on Saturday, and I thought he was really excellent.
“Having to come into a game quite cold and probably not expecting to be on that soon in the game, it just shows with his attitude, the way he applied himself, and the way he prepared for the game that he was ready to come straight in.
“In a hostile environment, up against one of the form centre forwards in the league, he was really impressive.”
PEARCE PHOTO: KEITH GILLARD
TOWLER PHOTO: PA