Charlton midfielder Jake Forster-Caskey available for selection if he comes through U23 run-out okay

Jake Forster-Caskey could be back in Charlton Athletic’s squad at Doncaster Rovers on Saturday provided he comes through unscathed from an U23 run-out today.

The 27-year-old midfielder has been missing from the first team since suffering ACL damage in the penultimate fixture of last season.

But Forster-Caskey, who won the club’s Player of the Year award in the 2021-22 campaign, made his playing return last week for Anthony Hayes’ side in their 2-2 draw against Watford. And he is set to gain more game time today at Peterborough United in a 1pm kick off.

“He’ll probably play 60-70 minutes and if he comes through that then he is fit and available to me,” Charlton manager Johnnie Jackson told the South London Press.

“I would imagine it would be difficult for me, after he has not played for that length of time, to take someone out and put him straight back in. I need to see how he does today and what the reports are – I won’t get the opportunity to see it as I’ll be taking training.

“But I’ll get a report and speak to Anthony Hayes. I’m watching how he trains now. If he comes through today then he is just like the rest of the lads – he has to force his way in.

“We have got good competition in that position of the pitch but I’m keen to get him back because it has been tough for him. We all know that a fit and firing Jake is a top player at this level. To have someone like that available to me is great. He is not going to be that player straightaway, it will take time to get him there.

“But I’m keen to give him an opportunity. He has worked hard to get back and deserves his opportunity.”