Charlton Athletic boss Michael Appleton has been cautious over a potential return date for Miles Leaburn, as he spoke with The South London Press.
The Addicks’ victory against League One strugglers, Cheltenham Town, last Tuesday turned out to be bittersweet. As the fans celebrated a 2-1 victory at The Valley, there was also a sense of concern, following Leaburn’s 38th minute substitution. Those fears were confirmed as the club announced earlier this week that the 20-year-old was set to miss up to five months with a hamstring injury.
Appleton, who replaced Dean Holden in September, presented a cautious approach when discussing a return for the striker.
‘I’d rather be really cautious with this one,’ the former Lincoln City boss told The South London Press.
‘I’m sure that [five months] will be the case because the reality is that muscular injuries of this severity take time’. He goes on to say, ‘Even though I am being told five months – and I’m guessing that’s what it probably will be – if it’s slightly better then great.’
‘But for me, if we see Miles at any point between now and the end of the season, it will be a bonus. It’s not something I’m expecting or thinking it’s going to happen in any way,’ the 48-year-old admitted.
This cautious approach comes only days after it was reported that Chelsea and Brentford were keeping tabs on the striker in the lead-up to the January transfer window. If Appleton’s reservations over seeing the 20-year-old again this season are to be believed, it means the striker will finish the season on the seven goals he has already managed to accrue in all competitions this season.
The London club are currently sitting 10th place in League One, seven points off the playoff places, however they will be looking to bounce back this weekend against Cambridge United after bowing out of the Bristol Street Motors Trophy following their penalty shootout defeat to Reading on Wednesday night.
Writer’s View:
Charlton fans will undoubtedly be disappointed after being told not to expect their young star back all season. They will, however, be relieved knowing they can still rely on the services of the League’s top scorer, Alfie May. Although, relying on a single striker in this way is not something Appleton will be wanting, especially considering the injury to Chuks Aneke.
The only silver lining that fans could take from this admission is it may result in the interest in the striker cooling down, especially for this window, as the Premier League clubs that had been keeping a keen eye on the youngster may look elsewhere given his current injury situation.
Nevertheless, Charlton will likely now look to make additions to their front line in January, to ensure they are not purely relying on former Cheltenham Town man May.
