‘He does care’ – Charlton boss Ben Garner on Chuks Aneke’s injury battle

Charlton Athletic manager Ben Garner says that Chuks Aneke is “desperate” to be back playing again.

The 29-year-old forward re-signed for the Addicks in the January transfer window from Birmingham City.

But Aneke has not featured for the League One club since he damaged his calf in a pre-season friendly at the club’s training ground.

And Garner has spelled out that the former Arsenal youngster is hurting from not being part of the action.

“Chuks is the only player currently injured now and we had a scan on Wednesday – the injury has healed,” Garner told the South London Press. “That’s fantastic, in terms of that the damage is going. It’s now rehabilitating that calf, getting him up to full fitness and able to play.

“It’s been a difficult start for Chuks and he’s had difficult moments throughout his career.

“First and foremost I want him to be in a good place as a person, which it looks like he is now. He’s more positive. He can see the finishing line in sight.

“We want to get him back in the fold, back in a good place but, most importantly, people need to understand these are people. You get things thrown at players about being injured and that they don’t care – not the case at all. He’s desperate to get back and get playing.

“He’s still got a little period to go still, you’re probably looking at a couple of weeks. But we want to get that process right and get him back available. He wants to do the same.

“Steven Sessegnon trained fully for the first time yesterday. It’s probably too soon for tomorrow with only two full days of training. He did part of the session Sunday, Monday, Tuesday – full session Thursday. He will certainly come back into the full reckoning next week.

“Scott Fraser joins back up now after welcoming his baby girl into the world. All now being well with his partner and daughter, which is our first priority, we welcome him back into the squad.”