The greatly missed defender, Jason Pearce, could be set for a return next weekend. Karl Robinson stated that he is currently fighting with physios to get him back in time for Sheffield United on the 19th, according to the London News Online.
The centre-back veteran has been out with a groin injury since December but resumed training last week. In order to try and fast-track his progress, Robinson wants him to play in the U23s on Sunday against AFC Wimbledon.
In Robinson’s press conference looking ahead towards the Walsall game on Saturday. The Charlton manager said: “Hopefully he will play 60 minutes for the under-23s on Sunday and then have a full week, featuring for them again in a game next week. After that, he should be ready for selection.”
In recent weeks Charlton have struggled at the back, leaking several goals. The most recent notable game of this taking place would be Charlton’s 4-3 defeat at Shrewsbury last week. It is no coincidence that a breakdown in defence has occurred while the highly rated defender has been absent. In the summer, Pearce was at the top of Russell Slade’s transfer wish-list and Slade succeeded in obtaining the centre-back from Wigan.
The summer signing is a true commander at the back and leads by example. His experience as Skipper at Bournemouth, Portsmouth, Leeds and leading the Latics to win the League One title last season speaks volumes.
Another Charlton player who is also a commander on the pitch is Skipper, Johnnie Jackson. On Tuesday evening, Jackson started and played the full 90 minutes and Charlton secured their first win in eight against Scunthorpe. The difference between this fixture and the previous eight was simply Jackson starting in his comfortable position within midfield. It is clear that without Jackon and/or Pearce the Addicks lack leadership.
As a result, Robinson and the Charlton fans will be keen to have their number one centre-back in the starting eleven once again.
