Charlton Athletic’s midfield injury issues mean 19-year-old set for bench role at Luton Town
Teenage midfielder James Vennings is set to be on the bench for Charlton’s match at Luton Town tonight – with the club’s injury crisis deepening at the weekend.
Josh Cullen was due to go for a scan yesterday after being stretched off with an ankle problem during Saturday’s 2-2 home draw against Cardiff City.
The Addicks have 11 senior players injured and recalled Albie Morgan last week from his loan at National League side Ebbsfleet to boost their options.
Vennings recently turned 19.
Charlton boss Lee Bowyer is hoping that Lyle Taylor, Jonny Williams and Chuks Aneke could be back for the Middlesbrough game on December 7.
“That is the earliest for them three,” he said. “Lyle is straight-line running outside but then we thought he would be back for Preston.
“He’s desperate to play his part. He loves the attention and it is killing him to be sat in that [medical] room.”
Adam Matthews will drop to the bench at Luton with Chris Solly starting at right-back. Bowyer said: “Adam won’t be able to play on Tuesday and he’ll be the only one on the bench who is a senior. Do you put Albie down as a senior yet? I don’t think you do.
“Vennings has got to come into the squad because we’re short in the middle of the park.”