Will Charlton Athletic sign another striker before transfer window closes? Addicks boss Ben Garner answers that question

Charlton Athletic manager Ben Garner has indicated it is unlikely the club will sign another forward before the end of the transfer window.

The Addicks are set to have Chuks Aneke back in their squad for Saturday’s home game against Cambridge United. He has not featured since suffering a calf injury in a behind closed doors friendly against Welling United last month.

Crystal Palace loanee Jesurun Rak-Sakyi will be in the matchday squad for tomorrow’s Valley fixture against Plymouth Argyle.

Jayden Stockley played in Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Sheffield Wednesday despite feeling unwell.

Charlton failed to turn their statistical dominance into end product at the weekend. It led to many supporters on social media and messageboards to call for extra firepower to be brought in.

But Garner told the South London Press: “I think every club in this league would probably like another striker and someone who scores goals – they are a rare commodity. As things stand, being honest, I don’t think we’ll be able to do that within our budget unless things move and change.

“But we’ve got Jayden, who is a proven goalscorer at this level. We’ve got Chuks Aneke, who when fit and firing is a goalscorer at this level. And we’ve got young Miles [Leaburn], who I think will score goals at this level as well with time.

“When you don’t score in a game and you create, you always [find people] blame your centre-forward. My view is that we need goals from everywhere. We created enough opportunities to have scored more goals in the games so far. The pleasing thing for me is that we are creating chances and we are looking dangerous.

“I had this a lot at Swindon last season when we weren’t scoring enough – then we get there, start clicking and it comes. I’m very confident that will be the case again this season.”

Garner had spoken about the possibility of two more signings prior to Rak-Sakyi’s arrival.

Asked if that now meant he only expect one more in the remainder of the window, he replied: “Yeah. I think, being realistic, that’s probably right. We’d like one more in for definite and then depending if there is any movement the other way that frees up some space in the squad then we might be able to do more.

“For one window, I feel we’ve recruited well so far. We’ve managed to put together a really competitive squad. They are improving all the time, each week, on the training ground. We’d like at least one more and if the right player is available we can do more within the budget. If there are any outgoings then we will certainly look to do that.”

Alex Gilbey and Jake Forster-Caskey both missed making the bench at Wednesday.

“Any player in our squad could be the subject of an offer from another club tomorrow – you never know,” said Garner. “Every player in the Football League, up to the Premier League, has got their price. Anything can happen in the window. I’m always open to what can come in your door. It could be something really unexpected around the corner.

“We are well-prepared for every eventuality. We have got players identified in each position, so if we lose anyone we’re not expected to then we’re ready to go with a replacement. I’m pleased with the amount of work we’ve done in this window and we’ve got a little bit of time left, just to try and fine-tune the squad a little bit and get it as strong as we can. We’ll continue to do that right up until the end of the window.”

PICTURES: PAUL EDWARDS