Charlton Athletic manager Lee Bowyer has given an update on the fitness of his squad ahead of this weekend's clash with Preston North End at Deepdale.
And it was good news for the Addicks as Bowyer revealed that long-term injury absentee Jonny Williams would be ready to face the Lillywhites, along with Tomer Hemed and Jake Forster-Caskey.
He also revealed that both Erhun Oztumer and Josh Cullen had returned to training and were both on their way to a return to full fitness as well.
“Jonny Williams is back in the fold as is Tomer Hemed and Jake Forster-Caskey," Bowyer told his pre-match press conference on Thursday, reported by the club's official Twitter account.
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"Oztumer has trained this week and Josh Cullen trains with us for the first time today."
The one sour note for the Addicks was the news that star striker Macauley Bonne would still remain sidelined for the next few weeks with his own fitness issues, although Chuks Aneke is edging closer to full fitness.
Charlton currently sit in 19th with 27 matches played this season, just five points above the relegation zone with injuries causing Bowyer's side to slip rapidly down the table over the last few months.
However, a win against Alex Neil's men on Saturday could see them rise to within just ten points of the play-off places, giving the fans plenty to remain optimistic about.
The verdict
The news of Williams' return to first-team action is a really big boost for the Addicks.
Whilst the midfield in recent weeks have done their jobs, they have lacked that cutting edge in attack as well as the goals and assists that he invariably brings with him.
The news that Bonne will miss the remainder of January and possibly beyond is not particularly good, however, especially given the uncertainty surrounding Lyle Taylor's future at the club.