Miles Leaburn injury blow as Charlton striker ruled out for a number of weeks with ankle injury

Young Charlton forward Miles Leaburn is set to miss the start of the League One season with the ankle injury he suffered at Welling United.

The 19-year-old was on the receiving end of a poor tackle by Wings centre-back Taofiq Olomowewe and was unable to continue.

Leaburn does not require surgery but will be absent for a number of weeks.

The former Chelsea youngster scored 12 goals in 35 League One matches last season – his first in senior football.

Charlton are also without Chuks Aneke, who is ruled out with a calf issue, but completed the signing of Cheltenham’s prolific goalscorer Alfie May yesterday.

Addicks boss Dean Holden had previously told our paper that pre-season was “massive” for Leaburn. He said: “Miles needs a good pre-season. He is growing into his body still, and that’s why we had to be really mindful of that this season when I was leaving him out or resting him. It wasn’t an easy decision, but you have to be mindful of just how big and explosive he is.

“He’ll quickly become more and more robust and resilient, to be able to go Saturday-Tuesday. No doubt with a good pre-season behind him he’ll be a big player for us again.

“He’s not going to have that surprise element he had this year. There are still different aspects of his game to improve on – but he’s a sponge. He is in the coaching room going through clips and he wants to learn. Pre-season is the biggest thing – a good, solid one with the first-team.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD