Charlton boss explains why loanees from Wolves and Udinese not in his matchday squad

Charlton head coach Michael Appleton says that the only reason some players are missing out on his matchday squads is due to the amount of options he has at his disposal.

Wolves loanee Chem Campbell has not even made the bench for two of the last three matches and has played 19 minutes of football since starting Appleton’s first match in charge – the 1-1 draw at Stevenage.

Udinese defender James Abankwah started under Appleton in the games against Stevenage and Wycombe but then has been left out of the matchday squad for the last six games.

Asked if the duo’s absence was just down to having so many players to pick from, Appleton told the South London Press: “One hundred per cent. I don’t play games. People and players who have worked with me before know that if there is an issue you know about it.

“There is none of that.

“There are a lot of players there and it is something, again, in January that we will look at. Ultimately I’d rather have it that way – I know it’s not ideal for the players who are missing out – than worrying about whether I can fill my bench, which I’ve had at previous clubs.

“I’ll take that and I’ve got to manage that and the players.”

Charlton were ready to listen to offers for the likes of Charlie Kirk, Conor McGrandles and Diallang Jaiyesimi in the last transfer window. The difficulty can sometimes be that interested clubs are unable to pay enough of a player’s salary to make it financially attractive or viable for the Addicks.

“It’s definitely not going to be straightforward at all but I’m certain we’ll be able to trim it by one or two,” said Appleton. “Anything more than that would be a bonus – not to the football club and to the squad but the players. They have got careers and I’m sure there are one or two that previously might’ve stepped away from an opportunity.

“There is a lot that can happen between now and January 1. Ultimately, even though it is not going to be easy, I imagine over the couple of coming months that players will have a general idea whether they are going to be part of the plans beyond January and be in the mix.

“The reality is as well that we’ve got to improve the balance of the squad and the profile – I’ve mentioned that a few times. I see it as more of an opportunity thaan a threat – that we get an opportunity to improve it.”