Michael Appleton provides update on Alfie May injury but remains coy on Jonson Clarke-Harris link after bid accepted for Posh striker

Michael Appleton hopes Alfie May will have a chance of returning to his Charlton side ahead of next weekend’s clash with Peterborough United at The Valley.

The striker, who has bagged 19 goals in all competitions, has missed the Addicks’ last two fixtures with a back complaint.

Appleton explained: “The fact that we’ve now got a week between the games and not five days gives him a better chance of being ready for Peterborough.

“He’s desperate to play, he’s frustrated at the minute. Hopefully we’ll have that type of firepower back next week.”

The Addicks boss wouldn’t get drawn into commenting on the news that his club have had a bid accepted for prolific Peterborough United striker Jonson Clarke-Harris.

Charlton are set to enter into talks with the player and his representatives after agreeing a fee with the Posh.

“Not at the minute,” said Appleton when asked if he had any update on the move.

“I’ve just been focusing on this one at the moment, We came down yesterday after training. I’ll pick up that conversation with Andy [Scott], Jim [Rodwell] and Simon [Lenagan] over the next 24 hours and hopefully we’ll have more information for you.”

Charlton have turned down a bid for Corey Blackett-Taylor, who scored during Saturday’s 3-3 draw at Port Vale.

When asked if the Addicks will struggle to keep their wide man, Appleton replied: “Who knows? From his point of view, his attitude was brilliant today. He put a shift in, he got his goal. He was struggling towards the end. He was cramping up, that’s why we had to get him off the pitch.

“We’ll stay focused on the day to day. If anything changes other than us rejecting bids that come in then you’ll know about it.”