Charlton Athletic head coach asked for injury updates on Fraser, Ipswich loanee Camara and Aneke

Michael Appleton has put no timescale on when midfielders Scott Fraser and Panutche Camara could return for Charlton Athletic.

Fraser has been out since sustaining a calf injury against Leyton Orient on the opening day of the League One season.

Ipswich Town loanee Camara (foot) last featured against Bristol Rovers a month ago.

The South London Press had been told that the duo were unlikely to be back until the end of this month. Asked if that was correct, Appleton told our paper yesterday: “I’m not 100 per cent sure myself.

“I think there is a little bit of a grey area with both, due to the type of injuries they are.

“All I do know is they are making progress. How much progress, I’ll stay in daily contact with Adam (Coe, head of medical) and try to get to the bottom of it.

“As a manager, from a selfish point of view, you want them on the grass as soon as you can and playing – because they are two very influential players at this level. But I’m not stupid enough to put that at risk – get them involved quickly and then lose them for a couple of months.

“I’d like to think I’ve gained enough experience that if I’m a little bit patient and wait for the right opportunity, they have got the ability to be really good for the club.”

Chuks Aneke is also yet to play for Charlton this season and missed the whole of their friendly programme due to a calf problem.

“One thing is for sure, he seems in a good place – which is helpful,” said Appleton. “The better place you are mentally then you are going to recover and be ready to be involved.

“When it comes to timelines, I don’t want to disappoint people. What I would say is that in the conversations I’ve had with him he looks bubbly and he looks ready. Certainly back end of this week or start of this week we’ll have a better idea on timelines.”

MAIN PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD