Charlton Athletic swept by virus ahead of match at Doncaster Rovers

BY RICHARD CAWLEY

Charlton Athletic have been hit by a virus ahead of Saturday’s match at Doncaster Rovers – with members of Lee Bowyer’s backroom team also affected.

Josh Parker missed last Saturday’s 2-1 win at AFC Wimbledon.

And Bowyer says more of his squad are unwell ahead of this weekend’s League One encounter between two play-off chasing sides.

“We’ve still got a few people ill,” he said. “Even Jacko and Brett [Shaw] the analyst are feeling it.

“Brett came in Monday but then hasn’t been seen since and he ain’t coming in today.

“I spoke to Jacko last night and he sounded rough. [Darren] Pratley still feels rough, Josh Parker looked like he had no energy at all on Tuesday. Tariqe [Fosu] came in Tuesday after being off Monday and he didn’t look healthy either.

“I’m hoping no more come in with it.

“All we know is that Josh was the first player to get it, but that was during training on Tuesday – he felt rough and had a temperature. We didn’t see him again until Monday this week and he’s still coughing up all sorts.”

Krystian Bielik is available after serving a two-match ban for picking up 10 bookings.