The latest update from the MK Dons treatment room ahead of Saturday’s game against Salford City

MK Dons have been handed a huge boost with injuries to both Jack Sanders and Connor Lemonheigh-Evans proving far less serious than first feared.

Both players were withdrawn from Saturday’s defeat to Barnet, with Lemonheigh-Evans suffering a first-half knee injury before Sanders came off with his arm in a makeshift sling after a clash with Bees frontman Kabongo Tshimanga.

Warne feared both would be long-term absentees, potentially missing for the remaining seven games of the season. However, the pair were in training with their team-mates on Saturday, putting them in contention to return to the side for the game against Salford City, alongside four others too.

The head coach confirmed: “Jack got through today, Connor Lemonheigh-Evans got through today as well, Will Collar is training, Mendez has trained, Pato has trained, Nels has trained. They’re all available for selection for the weekend.

“All of a sudden, we’ve got about 20 outfield players available, and players are looking over their shoulders at whether players are going to be in the squad.

“Between now and the end of the season, we can shuffle the team and the subs to try and win as many games as we can. I don’t think the lads have taken too much from the weekend.”

It leaves just long-term absentees Jay Matete and Kane Wilson in the treatment room, with the duo given an unwanted job by their boss.

“The only ones not are my long-term missing, Kane and Jay who have turned into our unattractive cheerleaders!” he added. “The physios and fitness coaches have worked tirelessly to get everyone out on the pitch.

“We’re really fortunate at the moment, and it really pushes standards. It keeps the lads on their toes.”