JOHNNIE Jackson is hoping attacking talisman Omar Bugiel will have recovered from his long trip to represent Lebanon in World Cup qualifiers in time to face Harrogte Town at Plough Lane today.
Bugiel played 78 and then 79 minutes in Sydney and Canberra last Thursday and Tuesday as Lebanon lost 2-0 and 5-0 to Australia in the second round of the Asian section of qualifying for the tournament in 2026.
“He was due to get back into the country Thursday morning,” Jackson said on the Dons’ website.
“I spoke to him after the second game in Canberra on Tuesday. He was substituted and I saw him come off, walking a bit gingerly, but he just said it was a tough game and he was fine physically.
“He got back on the plane, having looked after himself and done the right recovery things, so I’ll touch base again now, make sure he’s okay and then he comes back into the group for tomorrow.”
Wimbledon are ninth in League Two, a point outside the play-off places.
“We realise where we are in the season, six games to go and in a few days it’ll be down to just four,” Jackson said.
“We want to have a really good Easter weekend and just attack these last few games and that’s the message to the group. To be fair to the lads, they’re driving that themselves. They just want to give everything they can now and finish in a good spot.”
Wimbledon are set to be without Armani Little (hamstring) and Harry Pell (calf).
The Dons travel to Stockport County on Easter Monday.
