Nigel Adkins explains reasons for withdrawals of Conor Washington and Ryan Inniss during Milton Keynes defeat
BY LOUIS MENDEZ
Conor Washington suffered a back injury during the second-half of Charlton’s defeat at Milton Keynes this evening.
The Northern Irish international was withdrawn 11 minutes after the interval after going down, replaced by new Addicks signing Charlie Kirk.
Boss Nigel Adkins revealed afterwards that the forward had picked up a back complaint.
“Conor Washington had to come off with an injury there,” said Adkins.
“He was feeling great and he’s just felt something so he’s come off.
“He’s been great. The lad’s been working really hard, he’s been a massive threat. He had a good chance that went just beyond the post. Unfortunately, it looks like it’s a back-related injury there.”
Centre-half Ryan Inniss, who did have injury problems last season, was replaced at half-time by 17-year-old Deji Elerewe for the defenders’ EFL debut.
Adkins said that Inniss, who had been booked in the first-period, was having his playing time managed.
Adkins explained: “It’s been great because we’ve all been talking about Ryan and the minutes we’ve gave him throughout pre-season as an example. To go Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday, Tuesday, I don’t think Ryan has done that for a long, long time.
“We’re delighted we got 45 minutes out of him today and I’ll like to think he’ll be fine for the weekend. What I did do is presented a great opportunity for young Deji who came on and looked magnificent. He’s 17 and he didn’t get fazed at all.”
Striker Ronnie Schwartz was still not involved with the first-team matchday squad but was due to play 45 minutes with the u23s in a behind-closed-doors clash with Dulwich Hamlet this evening.
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