Dons boss explains defender’s absence and why key forward could not start Rochdale defeat

BY DAN EVANS

Wimbledon manager Johnnie Jackson revealed that striker Ali Al-Hamadi could not start Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Rochdale due to injury.

The Iraq international – who has scored seven goals for the Dons since signing from Wycombe in January – was forced off in the closing stages of Tuesday’s win against Walsall. 

Al-Hamadi, 21, was named on the bench against Rochdale and came on just six minutes before Danny Lloyd scored the decisive goal for the visitors in the 64th minute.

“Ali came off on Tuesday. He got a nasty whack to his hip that’s been sore ever since. He hasn’t trained,” Jackson confirmed. 

“He felt like it would be hard for him to get through 90 minutes.  

“Because it’s an impact injury, it should settle down over the next couple of days and he’ll be fine for Friday [against Harrogate].” 

Charlton loanee Dialling Jaiyesemi and experienced defender Lee Brown marked their returns from injury by coming off the bench in the second half. 

“It’s getting better,” he said. “Browny and DJ got on the pitch today. They’re building their fitness up – they’re training fully now. 

“Some of the other guys are a little bit further away.” 

Jackson also confirmed that Chris Gunter had been available for selection against Rochdale. 

The full-back missed games against Barrow and Walsall after joining the Welsh national team’s coaching set-up.

“Gunts only came back to the group on Thursday,” said Jackson.  

“I didn’t want to change the team, and this was the squad that I chose.”