Dons boss answers whether Nightingale injury blow will see them move into free agent transfer market

Johnnie Jackson says that AFC Wimbledon will not be looking to bring in a free agent to help bolster his defensive options despite Will Nightingale being ruled out for up to three months.

The Dons boss has also hailed Nightingale as a “warrior” for staying on the pitch after picking up the knee injury during the 2-2 draw with Bradford.

Wandsworth-born Nightingale, who signed a new three-and-a-half year contract with Wimbledon in March, had featured 11 times under Jackson this season in all competitions.

Nightingale suffered sprains to his ankle, ACL and posterolateral corner in training last season and missed 10 League One fixtures.

“For Will to get through the game and to complete it was a miracle with the injury he suffered,” Jackson told the South London Press, with Nightingale making a challenge with his head during the game to help the Dons gain a point.

“That sums Will up – his willingness to fight and battle for the shirt. He said that he felt as though he couldn’t come off because he would have been letting his team-mates down.

“We wouldn’t have felt that way. He was injured, and there is nothing you can do about that in football.

“But he somehow found the will to carry on and get through the game. He put in a really good performance at Bradford. Whether he has done a little bit more damage by doing that, who knows?

“But he is a warrior and willing to do anything to help his team pick up points.

“He’ll be a miss. We’re short in that area now, especially with Pearcy being injured. Will had one of his strongest games up at Bradford.

“Paul Kalambayi coming back to fitness and making the bench certainly helps, but Will is a loss. One, because he is a good player and brings a lot to the team. Two, because we’re light in that area.”

Alex Pearce came off after seven minutes with a groin injury in the game at Valley Parade, which saw him miss the following game at home to Colchester United, which the Dons won 2-1.

Chris Gunter is also set to miss a chunk of games for Jackson’s side over November and December, with Wales’ most-capped player set to be included in Robert Page’s squad for the upcoming Qatar 2022 World Cup.

When asked if he planned to bring in a free agent to help aide defensive cover, Jackson said: “I would imagine that we’re pretty much done now with our business, as far as incomings and outgoings are concerned.

“That’s why you have to build a squad that you think can handle these setbacks.

“We have been really unlucky so far with injuries, losing Kalambayi, Pearce and now Will.

“We have already been stretched and tested. Sometimes there isn’t a lot you can do about that, especially the nature of the injuries.”