‘On the rise for a while’ – Charlton boss Jones on Stockport test and latest injury news

Charlton Athletic manager Nathan Jones is fully respectful of the challenge posed by Stockport County this weekend.

The Addicks are looking to build on an impressive and professional 1-0 victory over Birmingham City before the international break.

But their opponents, who claimed the League Two title after collecting 92 points, are sixth in the current standings. Dave Challinor’s side have also not lost in five away matches, drawing three of them. Louie Barry is joint second in the goal charts with five to his name.

“Stockport have been on the rise for a while,” Jones told the South London Press.

“I know Dave well. He has done an excellent job. They are going to be well-coached and well-drilled – energetic. They will be a really, really tough test and we know that.

“They won the league, so they finished above Wrexham and Mansfield, who are doing well in the division also. It shows they are a very good side. They have strengthened and have a clear way of playing. And a manager who has been successful, year in and year out.”

Charlton will be without midfielder Conor Coventry as he serves a one-match ban for collecting five bookings.

Striker Daniel Kanu, who started against the Blues, has an ankle issue which means he will not feature.

Summer signing Gassan Ahadme was forced off with a chest injury against Bristol Rovers and did not make the matchday squad for Birmingham.

“We have got to be careful with Gassan,” said Jones. “It was a blow to his body – it’s not a typical footballing injury. We’ve just got to make sure he is right before we put him back in. Whether that is Saturday or further down the line is another thing.

“It is touch and go with him.”