Dons defence depleted

MK Dons have defensive problems ahead of the trip to Preston.

More pertinently, it is the right-back position that is once again blighting boss Karl Robinson. On-loan duo Adam Smith and James Tavernier had already been injured playing there this season before Mathias Doumbe and Luke Chadwick ended up in the treatment room while filling in against Carlisle last week. Tavernier was recalled by Newcastle on Wednesday while Doumbe (groin) will remain out and Chadwick (knee) is a doubt, so Adam Chicksen is expected to fill in at right-back at Deepdale. "It is a jinxed position. It has been cursed this season," said Robinson. Forward Dean Bowditch (groin) is also out while defender Gary MacKenzie, who has been sidelined for almost six weeks due to suspension and injury, is rated at 50/50.