Charlton Athletic boss Michael Appleton has said Josh Laqeretabua is ‘alright’ after his clash of heads last night.
Charlton Athletic substituted the defender in the second-half of their 4-2 Papa John’s Trophy win over Aston Villa U21s. Charlie Kirk, Miles Leaburn (x2) and Louie Watson were on the scoresheet.
Laqeretabua, 18, was handed his full debut by the League One side. He has risen up through the academy ranks.
Appleton has provided this injury update, as per the official club website: “Josh is alright, he is up and about. It was precautionary more than anything. You have got to be ultra-cautious.
“Josh is happy, he has got his minutes. He would have liked to get a little bit more but I like seeing that type of thing anyway – it shows he has got a competitive edge. And if he has going to have a career in competitive football he is going to have a few more of those moments!”
Charlton youngster latest
Laqeretabua will be seen as one for the future at Charlton and giving him minutes yesterday will help boost his development.
The teenager has been a regular for the Addicks at various youth levels over recent years and will be looking to break into their first-team properly down the line.
The Fiji youth international helped the U18s win the title last season and was handed his first professional contract by the London outfit over the summer. His deal expires in 2025.
Charlton will have a decision to make over his immediate future in regards to whether they should loan him out to get some experience or keep hold of him for the time being.
Other prospects such as Deji Elewere, Nathan Asiimwe and Tyreece Campbell were given game time against Aston Villa’s development side as well which shows Appleton isn’t afraid to throw academy prospects into the side.
Charlton have a break from the action this weekend due to international fixtures. Their next league game is at home to Reading.
