This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Charlton Athletic manager Lee Bowyer has been dealt a blow, as he works to get his side's promotion challenge back on track, after confirmation that midfielder Jonny Williams will be sidelined for up to eight weeks following knee surgery this week, as confirmed on the club website.

Williams has been in fine form so far this season making 12 appearances in the league with his manager telling BBC Radio London: "It is disappointing because he has been doing well for us and flying."

So how big a blow is it for the Addicks that Williams is out for up to eight weeks?

We discuss........

Chris Gallagher

"It's a significant blow.

"You have to admire the way this Charlton team play because they all work so hard for each other and they follow out the instructions that Bowyer has very well.

"However, they can lack that touch of quality in the final third at times, with Williams the man to give them that creative spark that they need. So, this is not the news anyone connected to the club will have wanted.

"He gives the side something different with his ability on the ball, the way he finds space and in terms of productivity.

"There will be a big responsibility on Conor Gallagher to continue his fine form now."

Toby Wilding

"I think this is a big blow for Charlton.

"Williams been a huge part of the success Charlton have enjoyed in the last few months, and you only need to look at the fact that he has been an almost ever-present figure for Lee Bowyer's side to see how highly-rated he is at The Valley.

"It seems therefore that losing him for such a long time will be a big miss with regards to the way Charlton play, and there may be a concern that this too could contribute to a loss of momentum for the Addicks following that late defeat at Bristol City on Wednesday.

"Indeed, with a number of Charlton's other midfielders - such as Conor Gallagher, Josh Cullen and Sam Field - at rather early stages of their careers, the experience of Williams is something that could be a significant loss for Charlton, as they look to overcome that recent setback on the pitch."

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Ned Holmes

“Yes, I think this is a pretty big blow.

“Charlton have just regained their momentum after a slight wobble when Lyle Taylor suffered his injury and you worry that losing another important player could derail them.

“However, Bowyer has some great options in midfield–particularly the likes of Conor Gallagher, Sam Field and Josh Cullen, who have been in fantastic form.

“You would expect to see someone like Oztumer or Kayal step up for the Addicks but they will no doubt miss Williams and it is a blow for Bowyer to lose a reliable attacking asset.”