Charlton have turned a corner since the international break - and go into their weekend game against Northampton Town looking for their third successive League One win.

Lee Bowyer's men had collected just four points from as many matches and were struggling at the wrong end, but two impressive victories against Wigan and then Blackpool has seen the Addicks climb into the top-half of the standings.

The good news doesn't stop there for Bowyer - with the Charlton boss providing a positive update on the fitness of midfielder's Alex Gilbey and Marcus Maddison.

Gilbey hasn't featured since the defeat at Doncaster back in September, whilst Maddison has been unavailable for the Addicks' previous two matches due to an ankle problem.

Whilst the pair will miss Saturday's visit to Sixfields, speaking to South London Press, Bowyer revealed some good news.

"Gilbey has been for a scan and it shows his injury has cleared up," he said.

"But he's been in a protective boot for a long time, so he’s got to build his calf muscle back up.

"You lose muscle in the calf when you're in the boot, so he's got to start doing that. It just deteriorates."

Meanwhile Maddison, who joined on a one-year loan deal at the beginning of October, could soon re-join the group.

Bowyer admitted: "He might be back in training today. He might be outside today. I don't know if it will be with us or the sports science. I'm hearing he's close to coming back out."

Quiz: Can you name these 10 ex-Charlton Athletic midfielders?

 

The Verdict

Charlton are in excellent form right now, and after so many injury problems in recent years, this is finally some good news for Bowyer.

With his defensive numbers already limited due to injuries to both Jason Pearce and Deji Oshilaja, it's important that the Addicks boss has all of his midfielders fit and available for selection, and this is a huge step in the right direction for these two.