Dons star suffers injury against Portsmouth but insists he will be fit for League Two action

by Tom Moore Thursday, August 9, 2012
11:25 AM

Pim Balkestein has a stiff ankle

AFC Wimbledon defender Pim Balkestein has been dealt a slight injury blow after being forced off against Portsmouth.

With the new season beginning next week, with a Capital One Cup tie against Stevenage it is not the best time to sustain an injury.

“I had a bit of a stiff ankle,” Balkestein told London24. “It’s just from the hard work at the training ground. I’m getting better.

“Pre-season is about getting fit and to get your fitness up.

“Your body has to get used to playing games again after two to three months off.”

The Dons were beaten 2-0 by Portsmouth in their final pre-season friendly, meaning they have lost all their games against higher placed opposition and Balkestein pulled no punches as to what he thought.

“The first half was not the best but the second half we proved we can push forward,” the Dutchman added.

“I think we faced a decent side and we created 10 clear chances and we had a few in the first half.

“We could have won this game. It’s something you have to be proud of.

“The chances we gave away in the first half was not good enough.”

With Portsmouth facing oblivion on Friday they were still backed by vociferous fans who never stopped singing.

“It was impressive how they supported the team,” Balkestein added.

“You can only be proud of those fans and how they come up in those kind of games.”