Charlton Athletic boss Bowyer: I wouldn’t drop Naby Sarr for AFC Wimbledon game – even if Jason Pearce is fit

BY RICHARD CAWLEY

Lee Bowyer has revealed that Jason Pearce may not be fit for Charlton’s match at AFC Wimbledon on Saturday – but wouldn’t drop Naby Sarr even if the skipper was available.

Pearce has been missing with an ankle injury.

Sarr has been one of the Addicks’ star performers in recent weeks.

Bowyer said: “I don’t know if Pearcey will be ready. He played that [U23] game last week and he is still feeling his ankle.

“We have come off him a little bit this week. We’ll see how he goes today.

“But, for me, there’s no reason to rush. Naby has been outstanding – I wouldn’t change it this week anyway, even if he was fit.

“We have had three clean sheets in our last four games, so there wouldn’t be any reason to bring Pearcey in, especially when he’s struggling.”

Sarr has grown in prominence in the Charlton side this season.

Bowyer said: “Naby is a nice lad. He just wants to be loved. He has all the attributes, he has not just become a good player now. What he has done is improve in his fitness. He’s got fitter this season and he’s got more physical.

“I remember a while ago saying he needs to improve on the physical side of the game – that if he did that he would be a much better defender. A defender’s first job is to be physical, it don’t matter how good you are on the ball – we knew he had that side of the game.

“We just needed to toughen him up, if you like, and make him a bit more aggressive. We’ve done that.

“There is still some more on the fitness side for me, and he can be better even still.”