Charlton suffer serious setback as Lyle Taylor facing spell on the sidelines

BY RICHARD CAWLEY

Lee Bowyer has confirmed that Lyle Taylor is set for an extended spell on the sidelines after suffering knee ligament damage on international duty with Montserrat.

The Addicks’ top goalscorer missed today’s 1-0 defeat to Birmingham City.

“Lyle’s not good – he’ll be out for a period of time,” said Bowyer. “I don’t know how long, but he’s going to be out for a bit now.

“He’s done something to his knee. We were hoping it wasn’t going to be too bad but he’s had a scan and it’s not good.”

Charlton failed to score for the first time this season without their talismanic frontman.

“I think that answers a lot,” said Bowyer. “Of course we are going to miss him – 20-odd goals and double figure assists. Whenever the ball is in the final third I feel we’ve got a chance of scoring or creating good chances.

“Tamer came in for him and worked hard. Some things worked for him and some things didn’t. He’s behind on fitness and our job now is to try and get him fit as quick as we can.

“He’ll have an opportunity now to step up.”