Charlton boss explains defender’s absence on Boxing Day – and claims Hull wanted to move this weekend’s fixture

Lee Bowyer has confirmed that Ben Purrington’s absence from Charlton’s squad on Boxing Day was a tactical call.

The left-back did not make the matchday 18 for the 2-2 draw against Plymouth Argyle.

“We had Albie [Morgan] come back from his Covid situation and [Paul] Smyth came back in – I just went with a more attacking bench,” said Addicks boss Bowyer.

“Deji can cover all the defensive positions across the backline. That’s why Ben missed out.”

Charlton head to Hull City on Saturday – with Bowyer claiming their League One promotion rivals wanted to push the fixture back by 24 hours.

“I know they were trying to move it to Sunday – I don’t know why,” said Bowyer. “They knew it was a Saturday game – that’s it. There is no reason to move it.

“They are a good side. They’ve kept most of the squad – or a very high percentage of it – that they had in the Championship. They will definitely be up there at the end of the season.

“We have to be at our best to win the game. But we have shown we can do that – we went to Portsmouth and Ipswich and won. There is no reason we can’t do it there.”

PICTURE: PAUL EDWARDS