Charlton Athletic top scorer Alfie May could return from his recent injury in time for the trip to Port Vale on Saturday, according to Addicks boss Michael Appleton.
May, who has scored 15 goals in 22 League One appearances this season, was ruled out of Charlton’s 2-1 home defeat against Oxford United on New Year’s Day due to a back injury. The 30-year-old forward was previously forced off in the closing stages due to injury in Charlton’s 2-1 loss at Bristol Rovers on Friday.
However, despite May’s absence from the Oxford clash, Appleton is hopeful that the striker can make a recovery for the Addicks’ upcoming match at Port Vale this weekend.
When speaking to London News Online, Appleton explained that while May’s omission was felt at home against the U’s, he was positive that a slight lull in the fixture list would help his top scorer to recover in time for Saturday.
“I hope so. It was a little bit gutting and disappointing he wasn’t available today. Obviously he was suffering a little bit, as we mentioned at Bristol, but I’d like to think and hope that with a clear week we can put ourselves in a position where we maybe get him on the pitch.”
Losing a vital player like May came at the worst possible time for Appleton as Charlton are currently on an eight-match winless run in all competitions. The South London side have also lost three consecutive League One matches, scoring just two goals.
The Addicks also remain light across the forward line, with Miles Leaburn and Chuks Aneke on the sideline for an extended period.
Writer’s View
Appleton’s admission that May could be available this weekend will come as a relief for Charlton. The Addicks have relied heavily on the 30-year-old’s goals this season and his return to the squad would be a huge boost.
However, question marks about May’s fitness remain and the player’s drop-off in form before his recent injury is a concern. Before missing the Oxford match, May failed to score in his previous four matches, and he had a particularly poor match in the 1-0 loss at Leyton Orient, perhaps showing he was carrying a knock at the time.
