Charlton boss Johnnie Jackson answers question about Tottenham and Chelsea loanees

Johnnie Jackson has explained why Tottenham midfielder Nile John and Chelsea left wing-back Juan Castillo have yet to make his matchday 18.

Castillo has not been selected for the two matches he has been available since arriving on loan from the Blues.

John has only been eligible for one – Monday’s 2-1 win at Portsmouth.

Addicks manager Jackson told the South London Press: “Him [John] and Juan haven’t trained that much  with the group, only a few sessions. I can only pick 18 and at the moment I’ve got 23 fit outfield players. You do the maths there, you throw in two goalkeepers and that makes 25 – it means seven lads have got to miss out on a matchday squad. I can’t pick everyone.

“I have to make those calls and try and pick a balanced bench that covers all the positions – who is training well and who is not. All those things get taken into consideration.

“It’s the tough part of the job, having to leave people out.

“You want a squad for the time you have got lots of injuries and that will happen going into a tough schedule. You are going to get injuries and suspensions and I need to utilise the squad.

“At the moment, credit to the medical department, we have got everyone fit apart from Jayden [Stockley] and Jake [Forster-Caskey].

“It’s a selection headache but you’d be moaning if you didn’t have enough players as well.”

Stockley has been out with a hip problem and not played since December 18.

“He is slowly improving and building up his strength in the area that was a concern,” said Jackson. “It’s a slow-burner. We have to be careful because if we push him too hard he could break down again and that will probably be season over. We have to be smart with him and get him back as quickly as we can but as safely as we can. Rather than rushing and him breaking down again.”