Charlton boss on Aneke’s return and also reveals midfielder out with knee injury
Charlton manager Johnnie Jackson was pleased to have Chuks Aneke back in his selection plans with the big striker marking his return with a goal in today’s 3-2 loss to Morecambe.
Aneke headed home in the 81st minute at The Valley but it proved to only be a consolation as the Addicks endured another disappointing result against one of the clubs scrapping to stay in League One.
The former Milton Keynes and Birmingham City forward has missed more than two months of the campaign with a muscle injury.
Asked if Aneke had come through his return unscathed, Jackson said: “Yeah, fine I believe. It’s good to have him back. He’s had a couple of days training, so I was always keen to get him on the pitch but wary of for how long.
“That will do him great, getting on there and scoring a goal. We know what a threat he can be, especially off the bench. We have missed that type of impact from the bench.”
Jackson opted to bring on Aneke and Conor Washington as they chased parity, with Jayden Stockley also on the pitch in a three-pronged striker attack.
“I thought if we needed to chase that was the way we could go – putting Chuks on there in a 10 position,” said Jackson. “With two forwards off him, he’s as effective as anyone. It did work in that period of the game. It’s something to consider when we’ve got Chuks up to speed and he’s able to play for longer.”
Chelsea loanee Mason Burstow started instead of Washington, who recently returned to the first-team fold after recovering from a hamstring problem.
“He missed the early part of the week’s training,” said Jackson. “He came back and played every minute of every game. I don’t want to lose Conor for any longer period of football. I decided to take that route with him. With three games to play now it gives him more opportunity to be involved for those.”
But Jackson confirmed that Scott Fraser, a January addition from Ipswich Town, is in the treatment room.
“He’s got a little issue with his knee. I don’t know the medical terminology. It’s been playing him up a little bit. He’s been unavailable for the last couple of games, hopefully we see him for the last few.”
PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD
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