The Big, Friendly (I assume), German, has had an indifferent first half to the season, but not of any fault of his own.

He was a fixture in an ever changing back-line at The Valley at the start of the season as injuries took hold of Lee Bowyer’s selection plans.

READ: Charlton's Christmas Calendar: Day 4- Krystian Bielik

It seemed every defender at the club was falling by the wayside, all apart from Bauer.

That was until he was side-lined shortly after the 2-0 away win at Bradford in mid-September where he was immense.

He returned to action a little over a month later in the 5-0 FA Cup replay win over Mansfield. Despite putting in two superb challenges early in the game, the giant of a man was someway short of his early season form.

READ: Bowyer defends team selection after FA Cup exit

He started two more league games in quick succession against Bristol Rovers and Burton before Bowyer took the opportunity to rest him for the Doncaster defeat in the FA Cup.

With so many injuries in his squad, it will be a relief for Bowyer that he is able to once again call and rely upon the 26-year-old they bought from Maritimo in the summer of 2015.

With the manic Christmas schedule League One offers, the German’s return to the fold could not have been timed better.

Whether he sits alongside captain Jason Pearce, Naby Sarr or Krystian Bielik, he fits perfectly and is a real asset in a squad growing with confidence.