Newey set to miss out, but Horwood and Di Girolamo to return for Wimbledon trip

The left-back is struggling with an ankle problem, and was forced to limp early out of Saturday’s 2-1 win over Luton Town.

On the plus side, Evan Horwood could be in line to replace him, as the full-back is expected to have recovered from the hip injury that has been bothering him.

“Tom Newey is going to be struggling,” said Wilder.

“He has battled through these past two or three games, and you can see there is something not right with him, but he has a heart as big as a bucket.

“Tom wants to get out there and play, and that is invaluable to a manager when you have players like that, but he also has to do himself justice when he plays,

“Tom will probably miss out, but it is a welcome boost to have Evan back. If he is fit, he will play.”

Also in line for a possible return is forward Diego Di Girolamo.

The Sheffield United loan man has recovered from the thigh strain he picked up on international duty with Italy Under-20s last week.

“We are waiting on Diego, but hopefully he will be involved at the weekend and be okay for both games,” said the Cobblers boss.

“If we haven’t got him, we had enough to get past Luton, and we know we will have to produce the same level of performance to get past Wimbledon.”

Wimbledon will welcome back central midfielder Darren Bulman, who has completed a three-match suspension, while winger George Francomb could also be available again after recovering from a hamstring problem.

Manager Neal Ardley will also be at the game, having missed last Saturday’s trip to Tranmere Rovers.

Ardley was unable to travel as he had undergone a hip operation the previous week, but he has been back at the training ground this week, and will be in the dugout on Friday