Charlton will be without Conor Gallagher for Saturday’s fixture against Sheffield Wednesday due to suspension, but the manager Lee Bowyer believes he was in need of a break.
The 19-year-old has sparkled in Charlton’s midfield this season, scoring five goals since his season long-loan from Chelsea in the summer.
Since appearing from the bench in the opening fixture at Blackburn Rovers, Gallagher has started every game since and completing all but two of the following 17 games.
Picking up his fifth booking of the season at Luton means the England Under21 international will be unavailable for Bowyer at a time when fit midfielders and attackers are a rare breed at The Valley.
“Conor will be a big miss on Saturday, another threat that’s been great for us,” Bowyer said.
“I will say though the way he runs around, his enthusiasm trying to win the ball back the way he does, he’s done well to last until the end of November without picking up a suspension.
“He plays with his heart on his sleeve, gives everything.
“His innocence gets him booked, he doesn’t do anything wrong than try and win the ball, that’s all his bookings, so for me to go as long as he has he’s done well.
“He’ll have a break now, he looked tired on Tuesday (at Luton), he’s been away with the national side, so he’ll have few days rest now and be ready for Middlesbrough.”
Gallagher’s suspension coincides with the worst injury crisis Bowyer has had to contend with since being at the club and Saturday’s visit of Sheffield Wednesday will stretch his squad to the limit.
“These are things you can’t control,” he said.
“(Gallagher’s suspension), it’s another hurdle we are going to have to work out on the weekend.
“It’s a challenge, but whatever XI we start with I believe we will win the game.”
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