Charlton boss Lee Bowyer has provided an explanation after there were a number of key omissions from his side that suffered a 2-1 defeat against Swansea on Wednesday night.

Jonathan Leko had given the Addicks an early lead at The Valley, but strikes from Yan Dhanda and Andre Ayew then condemned the newly promoted side to their third league defeat of the campaign.

The Addicks would have entered the match in buoyant mood following their impressive 1-0 victory over Leeds on the weekend, but this defeat will have provided a reality check for Bowyer's side who now travel to face Fulham on Saturday.

Bowyer made a number of significant changes for the match against Swansea with four players who started the Leeds victory missing out from the side, including defender Naby Sarr and in-form midfielder Jonny Williams.

The Charlton manager has now explained his decision-making as he claimed the midweek fixture scheduling was a key reason behind the alterations to the side that conquered Leeds.

"Had to freshen it up best I can, we’ve got to play Fulham Saturday,” he told News Shopper.

“I watched them play last night (Tuesday), an extra 24-hour recovery and we’ve got to play them at 12 0’clock on Saturday, it’s crazy.

“I know 100% if I played Naby Sarr tonight, Naby Sarr would’ve never ever be able to play on Saturday. He'd never, never recover in time.

"There’s Jonny Williams, he played last Saturday, if he started tonight he’d never be able to start this Saturday.”

Saturday's opponents Fulham were in action against Reading on Tuesday night, and they ran out as 4-1 winners against the Royals as they extended their unbeaten league run to five matches and moved into the play-off places.

The Verdict

Bowyer's decisions are completely understandable given the extra day Fulham have to prepare for Saturday's meeting, as the Charlton boss will have needed to take extra measures to combat this advantage.

The consequence of this was that Charlton slipped to defeat against the Swans despite racing into an early lead, and it will be frustrating for Bowyer that his side lost the game int his manner.

The only solace he could take going into the weekend is that his side performed fairly well against Cooper's side, while he now looks set to have some of his key players fully fit to face the Cottagers on the weekend.

A victory in West London could go some way to making amends for the midweek defeat as this would send out a firm message to the Championship, particularly after their result against Leeds last weekend.

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