Charlton travel to Middlesbrough next Saturday hoping to call upon the services of long-time absentee Lyle Taylor says Lee Bowyer.

The Addicks boss believes he finally has some good news in an injury hit two months that has seen his side pick up just two points from a possible 21.

With twelve senior players in the treatment room and two falling ill before Saturday’s early start against Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday, there is a genuine injury crisis at The Valley meaning a return of the talismanic Taylor couldn’t come soon enough.

“Lyle for sure is down to train with us this week,” Bowyer said.

“He’ll train Thursday and Friday, he’s been outside today kicking balls and he was fine.

“Hopefully we can get through the next few days then he will be traveling to Middlesbrough with us.”

Taylor has been sidelined since the end of August with a knee ligament injury picked up while on international duty with Montserrat.

Bowyer admitted the fixture is too soon for Jonny Williams but expects the Welshman to possibly start training this week after overcoming the knee injury that has seen him miss the last two months.

Lockyer Suspended

One player who will be missing is defender Tom Lockyer who picked up his fifth booking of the season in the 2-1 Sheffield Wednesday for slamming the ball to ground in front of referee Tim Robinson after in frustration after conceding a free-kick.

“It was a stupid booking,” Bowyer added.

“Now we miss him next week, as if we haven’t got enough people out.

“It was a silly booking.”