Charlton Athletic are beginning to see some encouraging signs on the injury front after a difficult start to the season, with Nathan Jones revealing that several players are moving closer to full fitness. The Addicks have had to contend with a growing list of absentees in recent weeks, limiting Jones’ options and forcing him to carefully manage his squad during a demanding run of fixtures.
However, ahead of the upcoming clash with QPR, there is growing optimism that the situation could soon improve. Josh Edwards and Charlie Kelman appear to be leading the way in the recovery process, while there was also reassuring news regarding Tyreece Campbell after his early substitution in the defeat at Stoke.
Jones confirmed that both Edwards and Kelman have now returned to full training and are the closest members of Charlton’s injured group to making themselves available for selection again.
“We are in a better place,” Jones said. “Josh Edwards and Charlie Kelman have trained fully which is a real boost for everyone, more so for them.
“Every day that passes we should be in a better position.”
The Charlton boss believes the potential returns of the pair could provide his squad with more options as they prepare for the next stage of their campaign.
On Edwards and Kelman, Jones added: “Those two are the closest to being in contention and that adds things into the equation.”
There was further positive news surrounding Campbell, who was taken off during the first half of Charlton’s recent defeat at Stoke. Jones insisted the decision was largely precautionary, although tactical considerations also played a part.
“TC’s sub was precautionary,” he said.
“It was also a little bit of a tactical choice, but he was feeling a little bit of fatigue because of the games and the level he has played recently.
“The game we felt wasn’t quite dead but was very difficult to come back, so we had to keep one eye on looking after a couple of people as well.”