Johnnie Jackson has encouraged Charlton supporters to donate to Havant & Waterlooville’s Sam Magri, who is set to undergo career-saving surgery on an injury sustained against the Addicks in November.
The Hawks defender was stretchered off soon after the hour-mark at The Valley after suffering a freak injury, with the 27-year-old since discovering he has ruptured his ACL, torn his posterior and lateral meniscus and suffered an impact fracture of the lateral femoral condyle.
However, with the NHS unable to see Magri until April at the earliest, he has been forced to seek private surgery at a cost of £12,500. The centre-back’s family have subsequently set up a gofundme page to alleviate the economic burden.
“I’d like to send condolences from myself and everyone at the club to Sam,” said Jackson. “We’re really disappointed and upset with what happened to him. It was a terrible injury that he suffered. It’s something that’s impacted obviously him most, but we’re all concerned about his welfare.
“It’s obviously disappointing to hear the outcome of the injury. We’re keen to help in any way that we can. I know he’s had struggles going down the NHS route because of the nature of his injury and the problems that there are in the system at the minute with backlogs and things like that. He can’t get the attention and care that he needs there, so his family have set up a gofundme page and we’re really keen to try and help as a club.
“It would be great if people could donate if they felt that way to try and help him get the help that he needs.
“I think his main aim is just to get back playing football. I think that’s his major concern right now: that he might never play football again if he doesn’t get the injury sorted right now. Any help that we can give him I know will be greatly appreciated by him and his family.”
Supporters can donate to Magri’s fundraising campaign by clicking here.
The Addicks host Fleetwood Town at The Valley on Saturday, click here to get your tickets.