The 35-year-old will face a trial in January

Nathaniel Mendez-Laing has appeared in court to deny claims he has assaulted his wife over the summer.

The 34-year-old MK Dons midfielder appeared in court this afternoon, charged with assault by beating after police were called to their Staffordshire home in June.

Mendez-Laing underwent surgery earlier this week on an injury which is expected to keep him out for two months and appeared in Cannock court on crutches to deny the allegations, speaking only to confirm his name, age and address.

The arrest came after wife Saira had allegedly been hit over the head and suffered injuries to her arm following an argument over a phone.

Judge Joseph O’Connor allowed Mendez-Laing to leave the court on conditional bail, with a trial set to go ahead in January.

MK Dons have said they will not comment on ongoing active legal cases.

The Guatemalan international has made just two appearances for the club this season, and has not been seen on the pitch since the opening day of the League One campaign.