‘I’d like one more’ – Michael Appleton on whether Charlton can dip into transfer market following Michael Hector injury
Charlton head coach Michael Appleton admits the club may have to dip into the transfer market for a central defender with Michael Hector sidelined for an extended period.
Jamaican international Hector, 31, is set to be out for 10 weeks after picking up a hamstring complaint during training in midweek.
The Addicks have recently added Plymouth’s Macaulay Gillesphey to their backline but may need to further reinforce in that department.
Appleton explained: “We’re mindful of the amount of injuries that we have picked up. In an ideal world for me I’d like one more. But, I can’t be too greedy.
“The area that we all want to address is a little bit higher up the pitch this week. If we do that and we’re comfortable with what we’ve got there then it might be something we’ll look to do after that.
“[Hector’s injury] wasn’t great news, midweek, that we got. Hamstring. So that was a bit of a suckerpunch to the kidneys for me personally. He’s been pretty consistent for us over the time I’ve been at the club. A big blow for him, a big blow for us.
“Opportunities now for other people to come in. The three centre-halves, especially in the second half [during Saturday’s 2-1 home defeat against Peterborough United], were far more aggressive and on the front foot. The likes of Lloydy [Jones] and [Lucas] Nessy. Nessy was superb in the second half – and Terell [Thomas]. There’s an opportunity for those three to really step up to the plate.”
PHOTOS: PAUL EDWARDS