MARK Cooper is playing a cautious game with the return of defender Raphael Branco.

The Brazilian has been out since getting injured against Sheffield United in September and this week has been training with Swindon physio Paul Godfrey.

The 24-year-old remains a doubt for the trip to Milton Keynes, with the rehab from his groin tear not yet complete.

With Swindon captain Nathan Thompson walking a disciplinary tightrope on four bookings, Cooper is hoping to perform a juggling act with his defence and pull Branco out of a hat if and when Thompson picks up another booking.

While the skipper and Town’s other frontline defenders are still available Cooper is reluctant to reintroduce the former Whitehawk defender if he does not have to.

“(Raphael Branco) is touch and go,” said the Town boss.

“He hasn’t trained yet, not with the team, he’s trained with the physio.

“I think the injury has gone, it’s just making sure it’s strong enough. The predicament we’ve got is (if) we put him back in and we lose him for two months.

“While we’ve got Nathan back, we’re trying to be sensible, although Nathan is on four bookings. We’re trying to make sure Rafa’s ready for when Nathan gets suspended – which is only matter of time.”

MORE BUILD-UP TO TOWN'S TRIP TO M K DONS ON SATURDAY IN TOMORROW'S SWINDON ADVERTISER