Joe Mason making progress in return from injury

Joe Mason is “a significant step closer” to returning to action but he will not make MK Dons’ home clash with injury-ravaged Tranmere.

Forward Mason has resumed training with no ill-effects following a hamstring issue but is still some way from a first-team return.

Boss Paul Tisdale has no fresh injury concerns for the clash, with Sam Nombe and Rhys Healey still out.

The Dons have not enjoyed a win in eight successive Sky Bet League One matches and currently hover just a point above the relegation zone.

Micky Mellon has a lengthy list of absentees as Tranmere look to bounce back from a 5-0 drubbing at Sunderland.

Stefan Payne serves a one-match suspension after being booked for the fifth time this season.

Mark Ellis, Evan Gumbs, Ollie Banks, Harvey Gilmour and Morgan Ferrier are all struggling with knee injuries and will not feature.

Darren Potter (ribs), Corey Blackett-Taylor (hamstring) and Ishmael Miller (hamstring) are also currently sidelined.