Lee Bowyer has said Lyle Taylor's absence from the team has had a noticeable effect on Charlton's recent form.

29-year-old Taylor last featured for the Addicks at the end of August, and the Charlton boss has made it known just how much his side have noticed his absence during the last three months, as the striker prepares to face Middlesbrough this weekend.

Speaking to London News Online, Lee Bowyer said that it was not just Taylor's goals that have been missed, but also his work-rate for the the side.

“If you take the main striker out of any team it is going to make a difference," he said.

"It’s not just his goals – because Macca [Macauley Bonne] has come in and scored – but it’s also his work ethic, the way he holds the ball up lets us get up the pitch. He is good defensively from set-pieces as well.

“It is his all-round performances that we’ve missed.”

Bowyer stated that Taylor is back in first-team training, and barring any further setbacks, the 29-year-old should be available to take his place on the bench for the clash at the Riverside Stadium this weekend.

He will likely get a 20-minute cameo appearance to ease him back into the first-team, as the striker is lacking the sufficient match sharpness to start the game.

Taylor scored five goals in the six starts he made for Charlton prior to his knee injury suffered on international duty for Montserrat in early September.

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The Verdict

This will be extremely positive news for Charlton fans, who have waited patiently for their main striker to return from his injury. Taylor has been on the sidelines for a longer period than expected.

However, he will not be firing on all cylinders just yet, as he will need some time to re-adjust to the pace of the Championship and gain the level of match fitness required as Lee Bowyer eases him back in.