Dons without two more first team players for trip to Sunderland

After playing seven games in 25 days, injuries appear to have caught up with MK Dons as they head to Sunderland.

Without Regan Poole and Daniel Harvie on international duty, George Williams, Joe Mason and Kieran Agard remain sidelined for the trip, and Russell Martin hinted that another two players - who he would not name - could be out for the game.

"I wish it was just one or two, we've got a few," said the manager. "With Danny and Regan being away too it makes things more difficult, which is frustrating. Two of the guys who'd go there would probably start the game. It will be tough."

"We've had to manage the squad recently, but we won't have everyone available. We'll have a strong squad but there will be a few youngsters in the squad too. We have to monitor people and make sure when they're back, we don't lose them straight away. We'll be without a fair few players this weekend.

"There's no long-term worries on any of them. They're mostly knocks and things that have generally caught up with people so hopefully none of them will be out for too long."

Williams has not played since the defeat at Blackpool on October 24, and was not on the bench against Eastleigh and Southampton U21s. Martin said the defender had been playing with another injury after missing pre-season, but felt his recent knock was impacting his performances.

He said: "He missed pre-season so he's playing catch-up still. He's got a warrior mentality, he wants to play but he did feel something and he was the first to admit it was affecting his performance. He was trying to help the team but it has set him back a bit.

"It's frustrating for everyone, but we have to make sure when he's back, he's back for good."