Johnson gives Cats injury update ahead of Wimbledon clash

Lee Johnson is waiting for an update on JoshS cowen’s fitness and is therefore set to make a late call on his starting XI to face AFC Wimbledon.

Scowen was substituted during the second half of the 4-0 win at Lincoln City on Saturday after suffering discomfort in his shin.

The 27-year-old was sent for an x-ray on Monday morning with some fears that he could be ruled out until the New Year.

A p o s i t ive p rog n o s i s , though, could yet make him available for immediate selection.

H av i n g p l aye d u n d e r Johnson at Barnsley, Scowen has quickly become an important player in the head coach’s plans.

Johnson described him as ‘brilliant’ after the Lincoln City win.

“He needed an X-ray, so we're just waiting for the results of that and the breakdown from the specialist,” Johnson said.

“I think it could go either way, to be honest.

"It could be one where he's out for three or four weeks, or he could be fit for the Wimbledon game.

“I'm not sure but hopefully we get the best-case scenario.”

Aiden O’Brien is in contention to make a return to the squad after returning from an ankle injury, though the form of Jack Diamond and the return of Aiden McGeady means that competition for places in that area of the pitch is significant.

Johnson is still without Lynden Gooch, though the 24-year-old is nearing a return from an ankle injury of his own.

T h e Su n d e rl a n d h ead coach should also be able to call upon Jordan Willis in the near future, after the defender began to be phased back into training at the end of last week.

“A i d e n i s c l o s e r t h a n Lynden,” Johnson said.

“Both are out working with the physios.

"Aiden is training with us today so should be available for selection.

“We'll have to assess the walking wounded, the little knocks and niggles that you get in any game.

“So we'll assess those and it's going to be very difficult for me to pick a team.

"So, I'll be working on the principles of how I believe is the best way to break Wimbledon down and defend against their strengths, but we'll have to be a bit fluid in terms of the team.”