Lee Bowyer has revealed why Mark Marshall was left out of Charlton’s matchday squad against Scunthorpe today.

Returning midfielder Ahmed Kashi took the winger’s place on the bench to provide cover for Jake Forster-Caskey, who has been struggling with a groin injury.

The Addicks lost 1-0 to Scunthorpe to leave their play-off hopes in doubt.

Bowyer, who is yet to start Marshall since taking temporary charge, told News Shopper: “He wasn't in the squad because Jake was struggling with a tight groin yesterday.

“It was fatigue from the Tuesday game [at AFC Wimbledon] and Kashi trained for the last couple of days.

“I had to bring him in as cover for Jake. So I had to lose someone, and unfortunately it was Marshall. But football changes, you never know.”

MORE: Charlton caretaker boss pinpoints reason for Scunthorpe loss​

Kashi was an unused substitute in the defeat to Scunthorpe, and Bowyer does not know if he’ll be able to start against Shrewsbury on Tuesday.

He added: “I’ll have to speak to the physio about that. I’m hoping he says ‘yes’ because then at least there’s one midfielder who I can rest. They looked so tired to me.

“That’s why I took Ben Reeves off against Wimbledon. Do you think I wanted to take him off? He’s been playing really well for us. But he looked like he couldn't move anymore. I needed to bring him off, the game didn't suit him anyway.

“I put Marshall on to put crosses in the box, he came on for 20, 25 minutes and didn't put one cross in the box.

“Football is funny, Marshall could even start on Tuesday. That’s how crazy football is.”

Lewis Page was another absentee against Scunthorpe. 

Bowyer explained: “He was rested again. That’s the only position [full-back] where I’m strong enough to rotate because of the Saturday-Tuesday-Saturday games. 

“They [the full-backs] will probably change again on Tuesday.”

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