AFC Wimbledon are set to be without captain Will Nightingale after the Dons captain had a hip operation the club have confirmed.
The League One outfit have missed the defender this season, who has not played since October due to the injury.
His manager Glynn Hodges confirmed the player had been prepared to play through the pain barrier against Blackpool but admitted the problem was worse than they first feared.
“We knew that Will had a hip problem and we thought it needed surgery, but when they operated on it on Thursday it was worse than what they suspected,” said Hodges. “It looks like he could be out for a sustained period. They are saying three to four months, but if he’s a quick healer and he gets the right work he can bounce back. It’s very disappointing news.”
“Due to the situation with our injuries I had spoken to Will about him being available for selection at Blackpool, so he put the operation back a week. If we didn’t have the numbers at the back he would have played through the pain barrier. We ended up with Paul Kalambayi and Ryan Delaney back so we didn’t need him, but that was a credit to him that he was prepared to play.
“He’s devastated, but these things happen in football when you are going in for challenges. Will can come back bigger and stronger as he will have the best possible care thanks to Stuart Douglas and his medical team. I hope he is back sooner, rather than later, and I’m sure he will show the character to bounce back.”
Following the operation, Nightingale revealed his determination to return stronger and make the most of his time on the sidelines.
“I know it’s been the case before, but I’m more determined than ever to come back the strongest and fittest I’ve ever been,” he said.
“I can’t wait to play under the management of Glyn Hodges and Nick Daws. I’m going to utilise this time I have now in the most positive way I can. In the meantime, I will be supporting the club I’ve been at since I was nine and I hope to be out there as soon as possible.”
Wimbledon currently sit 20th in the third tier table, just above rivals MK Dons on goal difference. They have not won in the last three league games and face Gillingham at Kingsmeadow on Saturday.