Charlton left-back Ben Purrington set to miss start of season with hamstring complaint

BY LOUIS MENDEZ

Charlton full-back Ben Purrington is set to miss the start of the League One season with a hamstring complaint.

The left-sided defender limped out during the opening exchanges of Saturday’s pre-season draw with Reading and boss Nigel Adkins revealed the 25-year-old won’t recover in time to face Sheffield Wednesday on the opening day.

Adkins said: “Ben has got a hamstring injury. The diagnosis means he will miss the start of the season. How long he will actually be out for is another question but as I’ve said we’ve got excellent medical staff here.

“He’s already doing a lot of mobility work. I’m sure he’ll be back as quick as he possibly can be. But he’ll certainly miss the start of the season.”

Adkins was speaking after his side shared a creditable 2-2 friendly draw with near-neighbours Crystal Palace, and highlighted the performance of natural right-back Chris Gunter at Selhurst Park when asked if he will now be forced into the transfer market for a new left-back.

“I was very happy with Chris Gunter [playing at left-back against Palace],” added Adkins.

“We knew that, going into the season, both Adam Matthews and Chris Gunter have played in the left-back position before so I always knew that was a position we didn’t need to worry about too much.

“Young Jacob Roddy did well at the weekend and again he’s come on and had 20 minutes there. It’s something that we’ll talk about and have a look at but we’ve got Adam Matthews and Chris Gunter who can both play in that left-back position.”

PHOTO: PAUL EDWARDS