Surman to miss Fleetwood game but midfield pair near a return

MK Dons will be without Andrew Surman for Tuesday night's game against Fleetwood Town, though his hamstring injury is not as bad as first feared.

The midfielder limped out after 14 minutes against Peterborough on Saturday, adding to the shortage of bodies the club has in the centre of the park already.

Though not as bad as first anticipated, Surman joins Jordan Houghton, David Kasumu and Louis Thompson on the sidelines, though the latter pair are on course for a return against Charlton next week.

“Andrew's injury isn't as bad as first feared,” Martin confirmed. “It's not fully gone – he thought he could play on and he thought it might ease off but it didn't. He'll be back with us quicker than first feared.

“Louis Thompson is back training, and David will miss the game tomorrow but after that, should be back for the game next week. It's good news on both of those.”

Fleetwood have just one win in their last 10 games, resulting in the sacking of Joey Barton from the helm at the Highbury Stadium.

Under interim manager Simon Wiles, Fleetwood have lost their last two games and sit 11th in the League One table.

Martin though is wary of the players they have at their disposal and predicts a close game at Stadium MK.

He said: “I think they're really good. They're a team who really try and play, so I expect it to be a good game. They had a lot of stuff instilled in them under their previous manager, which they've taken forwards and made a few tweaks under their new manager for the last couple of games.

They pose a real threat.

“They're established at this level, they're competitive and hard to play against and they play good football as well. It will be an interesting competition.

“Charlie Mulgrew at this level is outstanding, as is Paul Coutts. They have real experience in the spine, and a lot of energy and intensity around it.

“At home, we've got a very good record here so we have to try and play our own game and dictate what sort of game it is. That is always our aim.

“We've had some really good performances in our games away, so we have ot keep building and make sure Saturday was a day off.”