Charlton manager Bowyer pinpoints key reason behind Darren Pratley’s absence – as midfielder set for return against Middlesbrough

BY RICHARD CAWLEY

Lee Bowyer is hoping to have Darren Pratley back in his squad for Charlton’s relegation six-pointer against Middlesbrough – but has ruled out Naby Sarr.

Veteran midfielder Pratley has been absent with a back spasm while centre-back Sarr has a calf problem.

“Prats got through training on Tuesday,” said Addicks manager Bowyer. “So as long as he gets through the next couple of days then he’ll be in the squad.

“He’s a leader. He’s got all the experience in the world and we’ve missed him. The most important thing is he’s back and we’re trying to keep him fit for the rest of the season.

“He hadn’t had any problems all season [with his back] but it’s just the number of games he has had to play because of all the other players who were injured. Before we could bring Prats in, then drop him out and then bring him back in – we could rotate him.

“That was always the plan with him but the amount of injuries had meant we couldn’t rotate him and he had to play every minute in every game – that caught up with him. I would catch up with anybody.

“The most important thing was the injury wasn’t too bad, but it was really uncomfortable. He’s had an injection and now it has started to settle down. He’s back training.”

Charlton’s central defensive options are reduced as Tom Lockyer completes his two-match ban for collecting 10 bookings.

And Bowyer is emphatic that Sarr won’t be available.

“No, Naby is still struggling so I think he’ll be another week from what I hear,” said the Addicks chief. “Tom is a big miss. He’s played every minute of every game. He has been one of our most consistent players all season.

“It makes things a little bit harder but, like I’ve said before, as one door closes another one opens and someone has to grasp the opportunity. Last weekend, okay, that didn’t really happen. I know we conceded four – but two of those were at a time we were chasing. The scoreline should’ve been different.

“We missed chances in the second half at 1-0, when we were on top.

“The game could’ve been completely different. I know the scoreline doesn’t say that but they scored two so late on. That wasn’t a 4-0 game, I can assure you.”