AFC Wimbledon will be missing their key defender Joe Lewis for the next three to four weeks due to an injury he sustained during Saturday’s 1-0 loss against Salford, according to reports from the South London Press. Dons manager Johnnie Jackson described the challenge from Salford’s Kelly N’Mai on Lewis as ‘reckless and dangerous.’
Lewis, a Welsh defender, had to leave the pitch in the 55th minute, with midfielder James Ball replacing him. Lewis has been a crucial member of Wimbledon’s defense ever since he joined the team on loan from Stockport at the beginning of the 2023-24 season. The 25-year-old’s loan deal was made permanent last January, with Wimbledon paying a substantial fee to secure the services of the center-back.
Lewis showcased his leadership skills when he captained Wimbledon during their EFL Cup third-round match against Premier League club Newcastle and delivered an impressive performance. Following Lewis’s injury, first-team coach Dave Reddington informed the club that center-backs Ryan Johnson and John-Joe O’Toole participated in some form of training on Monday.
Despite the setback, Jackson’s team is gearing up to face Carlisle on Saturday. The absence of Lewis will undoubtedly be felt, but Johnson and O’Toole might step up to fill the void in defense. Wimbledon fans will be hoping for a swift recovery for Lewis and a solid performance from the team in the upcoming match. The Dons will need to regroup and work together to compensate for the missing defender and secure a positive result against Carlisle.
