Chuks Aneke wouldn’t be playing in League One if his fitness record was better – Charlton boss Lee Bowyer
BY LOUIS MENDEZ
Lee Bowyer reckons that Chuks Aneke’s injury record is the only thing holding him back from playing at a higher level.
The skilful forward made a difference as he was introduced from the bench during Charlton’s 3-0 defeat at West Ham in the League Cup.
The former Milton Keynes man missed long spells of last season but Bowyer says that he has to manage the 27-year-old’s minutes carefully.
Bowyer said: “Would I love to start Chuks Aneke? I would love to. But I don’t think I can take that risk with him. The medical team are saying to me ‘Lee, 45 minutes. You want to play him for 45?’
“But he has to get minutes into him, otherwise he’ll break down somewhere down the line when I put him on for thirtysomething.
“If you could keep him fit, he wouldn’t be playing in League One. The reason he is, is because of his injury record. Jonny Williams the same. We’ve got some good footballers. It’s just how you use them. We have to be careful with the way we use them. And we have to strengthen because our squad is not strong enough.”
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