Charlton Athletic boss will make changes for FA Cup tie at Mansfield Town

BY RICHARD CAWLEY

Charlton manager Lee Bowyer will ring the changes for tomorrow’s FA Cup first round tie at Mansfield Town.

The Addicks saw their injury list increase in midweek with Josh Cullen and Igor Vetokele both sustaining shoulder injuries in the 2-0 win at Walsall.

And Charlton are also without Jake Forster-Caskey, Lewis Page, Ben Reeves and Patrick Bauer.

Anfernee Dijksteel may recover from his hamstring strain to feature but Bowyer told the South London Press this week that leading striker Lyle Taylor would be rested – not even travelling for the tie.

Billy Clarke, who has been missing since suffering a cruciate knee injury, could play some part.

Bowyer said: “I’ve got to give others a game. The lads who ain’t played as much, it is a chance to play them.

“I have got to look longer term with the injuries – we have picked up four in the last two games. Now the squad is getting smaller and smaller. I have got to look more long term and give them a game, to keep them up to speed so they are ready.

“I have got to be realistic. I respect the cup – I’ve had good runs in it myself – but I have to look at the bigger picture. Our biggest priority is getting promoted. We need to keep as many people fit.

“On the plus side, Pat is back out running and he might be available by the time this international break is finished. He might be able to play some part against Swansea [in the EFL Trophy]. To have him back is a bonus, so there is a plus somewhere in there in terms of injuries.”