Charlton boss hoping Lyle Taylor fit for Sunderland – as Fosu is ruled out for six weeks

BY GREG STUBLEY

Charlton boss Lee Bowyer is hoping that summer signing Lyle Taylor will be fit enough for their League One opener against Sunderland next Saturday.

 

The striker hasn’t featured for the Addicks in pre-season since the 2-0 victory over Crawley due to a foot injury.

 

And Bowyer has revealed that a further knock has just slightly delayed his return to action for Charlton.

 

He said: “We only wanted Lyle to play him a little bit last Tuesday for the Brighton match but his calf seized up.

 

“He’s been getting treatment since Tuesday and was in yesterday,

 

“He’ll be introduced more and more to training this week so I hope he’s back but I won’t be rushing because it’s a long season.”

 

Bowyer also gave an update on some more injuries in the Charlton camp.

 

“Tariq [Fosu] is actually going to be out up to six weeks, so he’s got more chance of winning the lottery tonight than playing next Saturday.

 

“Igor [Vetokele] is another six weeks away while Billy Clarke and Ben Reeves are probably slightly more. They’re all long-terms.

 

“[Anfernee] Djiksteel is still on antibiotics but is on the mend.

 

“We’re ready for next Saturday but I’d rather have another five-six weeks to get everyone back to full fitness.

 

“We have to enjoy occasions like Sunderland, I’m not sure whether the younger players will be able to handle that, but I won’t be afraid to chuck them into it – if you want to play this game you’ll have to handle pressure.

 

“The younger lads have come through training sessions well, it’ll a bit different when 30,000 northerners are screaming at you, but they’ll be alright – the older lads will guide them through.”

PICTURE BY KYLE ANDREWS