MK Dons hit with injury crisis ahead of their crunch clash against Walsall

31-year-old Paterson has registered 14 goals and eight assists for the Dons this term - including six goals in four appearances during January. 

Only Swindon Town striker Aaron Drinan (18) has scored more goals than Paterson in League Two this season. 

Collins could also require surgery, after scoring the only goal in his last appearance in a 1-0 home win over Newport County on February 14. 

Rushian Hepburn-Murphy, who is back from his own hamstring issue, is set to continue leading the line in the Dons' 3-5-1-1 formation.

Nathaniel Mendez-Laing has also been side lined for over two months with a hamstring injury following a blistering start to life at Stadium MK. 

The former Cardiff City winger had scored eight goals and set-up four more in 20 appearances in all competitions during the first half of the season.

Jay Matete became the latest casualty in the Dons camp when he was forced off with a hamstring issue during their goalless draw against Crawley Town last week. 

Dan Crowley is set to deputise for Matete after struggling for game time since his high-profile switch from Notts County in January last year.

Paul Warne's charges are the leading goal scorers in the division with 60 goals and are unbeaten in eight league games (winning five, drawing three). 

They currently sit eight points ahead of their hosts, although Walsall do boast a game in hand. 

Walsall won the reverse fixture 1-0 at Stadium MK thanks to a solitary strike from midfielder Charlie Lakin in late August.

The Saddlers also won the corresponding fixture last season - prevailing 4-2 in January 2025 to set a club record nine consecutive league wins. 

Goalkeeper Craig McGillivray made 19 appearances for Walsall between 2014 and 2017, while his Dons teammate Kane Wilson also had a loan at Bescot in 2018.