AFC Wimbledon will have to do without James Shea against Southend tonight after the goalkeeper fractured his ankle at Hartlepool on Saturday.

The 23-year-old has started every game for the Dons this season but picked up the injury in the 1-0 reverse and faces at least two weeks out on the sidelines.

Dons assistant manager Neil Cox said: “James had a scan this morning and it showed that he had cracked a bone in his ankle. He did it before the goal on Saturday.

Recover: AFC Wimbledon's Jake Goodman

“He will be out for at least a couple of weeks, but we are awaiting more information to find out the full extent of the injury.

“It offers an opportunity now for whoever the manager decides to select. That’s why as a player you have to keep yourself going because someone can get injured.”

George Francomb and Jake Goodman are both back in full training this week.

However, the visit of United this evening will come too soon for the pair as Wimbledon carefully manage their fitness.

Hamstring injury: George Francomb

Cox added: “George has trained this morning for the first time, but he will need three or four days of hard work to see how his hamstring is.

“He looked sharp this morning, but he will not be available tomorrow night.

“Jake has also joined in with the rest of the group for the first time, but he has been out for a long time and will need a good seven to ten days of training.

“We have a bigger squad now and it is only going to get better with these players getting fitter.”