Charlton Athletic ‘praying’ that Fulham loanee’s withdrawal is not a hamstring injury

Charlton Athletic manager Ben Garner is hoping that Steven Sessegnon was only suffering from cramp after the Fulham loanee failed to last the distance in today’s 2-2 FA Cup draw against Stockport County.

The left-back went down for a sustained period of treatment in the second period.

Although Sessegnon came back on the pitch he was replaced by Richard Chin in the 63rd minute.

The 22-year-old has made 15 appearances in all competitions for the Addicks but has also missed five league matches after arriving from the west Londoners with a hamstring injury.

“We’re hoping it’s just cramp,” said Garner. “It just tightened in his hamstring and we’re hoping that is cramp. We’ll have to assess that and see.

“We’re praying and praying that is cramp and nothing more.”

Chuks Aneke started up front with Jayden Stockley starting a three-match suspension for violent conduct.

He played 67 minutes before Corey Blackett-Taylor came on.

“Chuks has been building his minutes and training well,” said Garner. “We’ve progressed him.

“Chuks is never going to be able to go Saturday-Tuesday and 90 [minutes], 90 [minutes] – get on a run of games like that. But we have got to try and keep him fit and available and use him as best we can, and for him to help the team as best he can in that time. When he’s not available, certainly for the next two, we have to find other solutions.

“Charlie [Kirk] did well. DJ [Diallang Jaiyesimi] was excellent when he came on for the last 10 minutes. Lots of positives in there today but we are naturally disappointed by conceding very late on and the extra game.”

PICTURE: PAUL EDWARDS