Charlton Athletic could be handed a significant boost later this month with the return of promising forward Miles Leaburn, who is nearing a comeback after a lengthy injury layoff.
The 20-year-old striker is expected to be available for crucial fixtures against Cambridge United and Blackpool, in what manager Nathan Jones describes as a situation akin to having a ‘new signing.’
Leaburn, who has been sidelined since November due to a hamstring injury sustained in a League One clash against Cheltenham Town, has yet to feature under Jones. However, the Addicks boss has been impressed with the youngster’s progress in training and is optimistic about his return to first-team action.
Speaking to the club’s official website, Jones provided an update on Leaburn’s recovery, indicating that the striker is close to a return. “He’s probably days – and that could be double figures in days – more than weeks away from actually playing in a game, so that’s a good thing,” Jones said. “We’ve got to be careful with him and we’ve got to push him now in training to get him to the levels where we feel we can expose him to a match, and then we’ll have no fear in doing that.”
Leaburn returned to full team training at the end of August, having undergone a successful recovery from his hamstring surgery in December 2023. This weekend’s match against Rotherham United, one of the few to survive international call-ups, is likely too soon for his return; Leaburn could be in contention for Charlton’s Football League Trophy tie against Cambridge United on 17th September or their League One clash with Blackpool four days later.
Jones is eager to see the talented forward return, praising his development and highlighting how his presence could significantly enhance the team’s attacking options. “Miles is back in full training and looking very, very good. We’re really pleased. We obviously can’t rush him. It’s difficult to say he’s ahead of schedule because we always had the worst-case scenario and the best-case scenario – he’s nowhere near the worst case.”
Jones added, “He is looking something very, very different and we’re delighted to have him back. It’s a cliché, but it is like a new signing for me because I have seen him play – I just haven’t seen him play for me. He is categorically for me like a new signing – and a wonderful new signing. Because if I could profile a centre-forward, he literally ticks all the boxes in terms of what we need.”
Who Is Miles Leaburn?
Miles Leaburn is a young forward who came through Chelsea’s youth system before joining Charlton Athletic in 2019. He signed his first professional contract with the club in July 2022 and quickly made an impact. Leaburn made his professional debut at just 18 years old, coming off the bench to score in a 2–2 draw against Accrington Stanley in a League One match. His debut goal highlighted his potential and cemented his place as the third second-generation player to represent Charlton, following in the footsteps of his father, Carl Leaburn, who was a key figure for the club between 1987 and 1998.
Leaburn’s footballing pedigree is well-known, being the son of Carl Leaburn, who made 376 appearances for Charlton Athletic during his career. Miles carries on the family legacy at the Valley, which is doubtless part of his appeal to supporters.
Writer’s View
Leaburn’s return would provide a timely boost to Charlton’s push for promotion from League One. The striker’s physical presence and goal-scoring ability were evident before his injury, and his return to fitness could give the Addicks the firepower they need in the second half of the season.
With Jones keen to ease him back into competitive action, fans will be eager to see how Leaburn performs when he finally dons the Charlton shirt once again.
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