Charlton man a doubt for AFC Wimbledon tie as Bowyer wants to add cutting edge in transfer window

Alex Gilbey is a doubt for Charlton Athletic’s EFL Trophy tie at AFC Wimbledon on Tuesday after withdrawing late from yesterday’s friendly loss at Crystal Palace.

The summer signing from Milton Keynes was due to start at Selhurst Park but dropped out just before kick-off with George Lapslie taking his place.

Addicks manager Lee Bowyer said: “Something was wrong with his stomach before the game. He was in the warm up and meant to start and then he had some pain around that area.

“We just didn’t take the risk.

“We’ll find out more and give it a couple of days to settle down.”

Charlton held Palace for the opening hour in SE25 but then completely switched their side.

Jordan Ayew broke the deadlock soon after and bagged a second before Wilfried Zaha added gloss to the scoreline.

Alfie Doughty’s tame shot did not trouble Palace keeper Wayne Hennessey, who had little to do.

Bowyer said: “The first hour we were good, solid-ish – we moved the ball well and got into good areas. It’s just that bit of quality in that final third that we’re lacking.

“That’s why we need to bring people in. From back to front we do well, against a good Palace side.

“But I don’t think we had a shot. It’s alright looking pretty [without end product].

“In the first hour there was Alfie’s backpass! That was the only shot we had. We got into so many good positions but didn’t have that final bit.

“We’ve been working back to front, because it is new to us how we’re playing, and that’s been working. We’ve just got bring in that final bit of quality and we’ll go from there.”

PICTURES: PAUL EDWARDS