Mitrovic absence is a boost for Charlton Athletic – but Fulham have quality options in their squad

BY RICHARD CAWLEY

Lee Bowyer has admitted that Aleksandar Mitrovic’s absence is a boost as Charlton head into tomorrow’s derby with Fulham.

The Serbian striker has racked up the goals in the Championship this season – 18 in 26 appearances – before injuring his ankle at Hull City.

Mitrovic is definitely out of the fixture at The Valley.

Fulham did win in his absence on Friday night as Anthony Knockaert’s early goal settled their clash with Middlesbrough at Craven Cottage.

Bowyer said: “He [Mitrovic] is a massive player for them. It’s a bit like Lyle [Taylor] being out for us – the main striker in the team, a player who can make the difference

“But they have got so many good players. He’ll come out but they’ll bring in another Premier League player. They could start with Kamara and he played in the Premier League for them. That’s the difference in squads – whoever they bring in will be a good player.”

“They looked very good on Friday, didn’t they? It could have been seven. They created so many clear-cut chances.

“They looked very good.

“We’ll have to be at our very best to get anything out of the game.

“They are a very, very good side but we’re at home, I know the fans will get behind us and my players will give everything.

“It was just a bit of quality in the final third which let us down at the weekend. We got into good positions in the second half when we changed shape. If we get any chances against Fulham we have to be ruthless in front of goal.

“They like to dictate possession, which is fine. We did really well over there [earlier in the season]. We’ve got to be solid and take our chances when they come.”

PICTURE BY SEAN GOSLING