Lee Bowyer sat down with the local media on Thursday morning to preview Charlton’s Sky Bet League One clash against AFC Wimbledon.
Tickets for Saturday’s game remain on sale and, ahead of it, Bowyer was asked about the Addicks’ weekend opponents, Tuesday’s brilliant win against Portsmouth, Chris Solly and the club’s latest injuries.
Supporters can watch Bowyer’s pre-match press conference in full on Valley Pass.
On AFC Wimbledon…
“There is a long way to go and I wouldn’t say they are fighting for survival because we aren’t even half-way through the season. I’m sure they aren’t where they want to be but they have got a new manager, which will open the door for players who may have not been in the team before.
“I know the new manager will get them motivated. I watched their game against Rochdale on Saturday and they were all committed and it is going to be tough and physical. We have to do what we do and we will respect them like we do every team we play.
“We’re at home and I’m expecting our fans to be singing like they always do to get us going. My job is to make sure that we are physically ready for the game.”
On Tuesday’s win at Portsmouth…
“That was the best win we’ve had. Portsmouth are a good side, are top of the league and I think they had won eight on the spin before that.
“I have to say I think the referee handled the game very well. He could easily have got pushed into some decisions but, overall, I think we went there with a lot of young players and they stood up like men.
“Everyone was outstanding on the night, people came off the bench and Nicky nicked himself a goal – he obviously likes playing there - so as a whole from back to front we were outstanding.
“I was over the moon and the togetherness the lads showed was great to watch. It was great to see on sidelines and for the fans too; for them to see their lads giving 100 per cent and putting their bodies on the line.”
On Chris Solly not starting on Tuesday…
“He was out for the last five or six weeks at the end of last season and when he has gone Saturday-Tuesday or Tuesday-Saturday this season his knee has flared up. We’ve been lucky recently because we had the international break and then the FA Cup so I was able to rest him.
“I spoke to him on Monday and said ‘look, I’ve got to look after you because it is better for us and you’. He’s an experienced player and I want him in and around it all season, I don’t want to lose him for five or six weeks again.”
On injuries picked up on Tuesday…
“Karlan is going for a scan today [Thursday] and Lyle has a big lump and bruise on his foot, so he is going for an x-ray to make sure there isn’t a break. They aren’t training at the moment.
“Krystian took a whack in the face and had a bit of a bloody nose but should be fine. Mark Marshall took a whack on Tuesday and could hardly move at the end but hopefully that will have settled down by Saturday.”
