Chuks Aneke close to Charlton Athletic return

Charlton Athletic striker Chuks Aneke is set to be back available over the Christmas period.

The 31-year-old, who is out of contract at the end of the season, has made 10 appearances in the current campaign but has not featured since October 5.

Aneke has been kept out with a groin complaint.

“He’s close,” said Jones, after mentioning after today’s 0-0 draw against Burton Albion that the forward has stepped up his return. “He trained with us yesterday, so he is gathering momentum.

“But with Chuks, as we know, we have to be careful because he is a different specimen to other people.

“We have to be careful because, one, we want him back and we have done some great work since I’ve been here, up until the injury, in getting him minutes and impacting everything.”

Will Mannion (thigh) was back in the Charlton squad.

Ashley Maynard-Brewer has started between the posts while the former Cambridge United keeper has been out.

“Ashley hasn’t let us down in any way, shape or form,” said Jones. “I don’t know what the stat is but Ash has kept a considerable amount of clean sheets when he has been out.

“There is other stuff that Will does better than Ashley but there is stuff Ashley does really well. Ashley is a homegrown player and someone we’re really proud of. He is a great kid. He makes saves and keeps clean sheets. From a defensive side, I’ve got no problem with this team – because we’re a good defensive side.

“We just need to be that little bit more fluid.”

PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD