‘Good news’ – Charlton boss Ben Garner provides positive injury update on Miles Leaburn

Charlton Athletic boss Ben Garner says top-scorer Miles Leaburn will not require surgery on his ankle after seeing a specialist.

The 18-year-old, who has four goals to his name in 13 League One appearances under Garner, has missed the last two games against Portsmouth and Shrewsbury after picking up ankle ligament damage in the 4-2 win over Exeter City.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of Tuesday’s game against Milton Keynes, Garner told the South London Press: “He saw the specialist last week. The good news is that he doesn’t need surgery on it, which is great.

“We can rehab it now. It’s just a matter of time now and waiting. [It’s about] doing as much as we can with him, him working as hard as he can and being positive. And as I said from the start, him coming back in a better place than where he was when he picked up the injury.”

The Addicks are on a run of five unbeaten in League One and sit two points outside the play-off places heading into Tuesday’s game against bottom-of-the-table Milton Keynes.

Along with Leaburn, winger Diallang Jaiyesimi is also missing after he picked up ankle damage in the first half of the South Londoners’ EFL Trophy loss against Colchester United at the start of the month.

Corey Blackett-Taylor also missed the 1-0 win away to Shrewsbury with a hip injury.

“DJ and Miles are doing great,” added Garner.

“They have obviously got a fair bit to go in terms of time, but they have been very diligent in what they’re doing and everything that the medical team are asking them to do.

“We have just got to be patient with them and push them as hard as we can. They’re working as hard as they can, but unfortunately, time is the only thing we have got to adhere to and wait for.

“I’m going to speak with the medical staff shortly and assess where we are with Corey to make a decision on that.

“From Saturday, I believe that everyone is OK. We will do some monitoring this morning before we finalise the team for Tuesday night. No injuries or fresh injuries that I’m aware of.”

PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD