Nigel Adkins reveals extent of Akin Famewo’s injury as he talks about returns to action for Ryan Inniss and Alex Gilbey

BY LOUIS MENDEZ

Nigel Adkins has looked to reassure supporters that Norwich loanee Akin Famewo was only missing from the Charlton side against Doncaster due to a minor knock.

The centre-half was absent from the matchday squad as the South Londoners stretched their unbeaten run to seven with a 1-0 victory at the Keepmoat Stadium, thanks to Ian Maatsen’s early goal.

Adkins, who celebrated his first victory in charge of his new club at the second attempt, was able to recall Ryan Inniss to the side 146 days after his last outing due to a quad injury.

The 25-year-old lasted the full 90 minutes and Adkins said he was feeling no ill-effects afterwards.

The Charlton boss explained: “From our point of view, there’s no indication that [Inniss has] got any issues. He’s just got to recover well. So that’s a big plus for us moving forward.

“[Famewo] complained of something very minor on Tuesday. We’ve got excellent medical staff here. We just made the decision not to involve him today. He would have been fine for Lincoln on Tuesday but obviously that game is called off.

“Bear in mind that Ryan Inniss, we didn’t know how he was going to respond so we didn’t want to risk Akin. But he should be fine to be involved next week in training. A very minor thing and we’re just trying to manage that situation and manage the squad.”

Midfielder Alex Gilbey featured for the first time since a 2-1 loss at Peterborough in January – making his first start since the 4-4 draw with Rochdale at The Valley earlier that month.

“Alex Gilbey has been out for a long period of time,” added Adkins.

“When you look at how hard he worked for the team, he’ll be a massive threat going forward with the penetrating runs that he goes to do. Yes, I’d have liked us to pass the ball better, of course I would, we always want that, but we’re at that stage of the season now where it’s important that we pick up results as well.

“Long term there’s a way we play but short term can we try and out ourselves in a position to win games. I’m delighted for the work ethic and the commitment the players have gone and out in to grind out results, especially away from home.”

PHOTOS: KYLE ANDREWS