Charlton still waiting on scan results to determine full extent of O’Connell and Egbo injuries

Charlton Athletic first-team coach Anthony Hayes was unable to provide injury updates on Eoghan O’Connell or Mandela Egbo when he conducted media duties before the club’s EFL Trophy fixture against Brighton U21s tomorrow.

O’Connell was stretchered off in the first half on Saturday’s 4-4 draw against Ipswich with a knee injury while a groin problem saw Egbo replaced even earlier in the League One fixture.

“We’re still waiting on the scan results from both Eoghan and Mandela,” said Hayes. “I’m sure the manager will give an update on those in due course, once we do get the results.

“We’re going to rest a few, because there will be a few walking wounded from Saturday.

“We’ll have a nice blend tomorrow of some senior players, mixed with some members who are younger.”

Charlton fought back from 4-2 down at the weekend with Terell Thomas and George Dobson scoring in the final three minutes of an additional nine at the end of the match.

Manager Ben Garner was sent off in the second period, moments after Ipswich went 2-0 ahead. Jes Rak-Sakyi and Albie Morgan drew Charlton level before Freddie Ladapo and Sam Morsy again looked to have put the visitors in control.

Asked if he had ever been involved in a game like that before, Irishman Hayes said: “No, absolutely not. I spoke to my dad afterwards and I wouldn’t even call it organised chaos. But when the manager was sent off we were still in communication with him, so it definitely wasn’t just down to me and Scott [Marshall].

“It was incredible, wasn’t it? I’m sure it will be a game that will be looked back at for many years with real fondness. But we only get a point from it. It’s important we take some real positives from it, because there were plenty, take some of the learnings as well and move forward.

“It was full of ingredients that a successful team needs. Loads of effort, desire, passion and the emotion at the end when Dobbo’s goal goes in. It’s why we all love the game.

“We go into every game to win it and we go into these three cups games looking to really take the positive from Saturday and move forward.”

PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD