Charlton’s Dale Stephens will be going under the surgeon’s knife today for an operation on his ankle.

After discussions between the player, Chris Powell and first team physio, Erol Umut, it was decided that Stephens would have a ‘clean up’ operation now to sort out the troublesome ankle.

Dale told supporters on Saturday that the surgery would sideline him for six weeks so he is unlikely to be back in the first team until the New Year. Stephens recently became a father, so the enforced rest will give him time to mentally adjust to his new status.

The form of Andy Hughes, and the return to fitness of Mikel Alonso and Bradley Pritchard – who will resume full training this week – would also have been taken into consideration.

Simon Francis has joined AFC Bournemouth on loan with the deal due to be made permanent in January. The deal was originally proposed in the summer but fell through when Francis could not agree personal terms. With new investment in the club, Bournemouth are now able to make Francis an acceptable offer.

Charlton will receive a small but undisclosed fee when the deal is completed. Gary Doherty and Paul Benson could also be moved on as the club contemplate bringing in fresh faces in January.

Definitely gone are Soham Town Rangers from the FA Youth Cup. On a murky night in Cambridgeshire, the young Addicks romped to a 9-0 win against game but outclassed opponents. Hat-tricks for both Adebayo Azeez and Callum Harriott, two for Toby Sho-Silva and one from Harry Gerard did the damage.

More good news was the return of Harry Osborne who suffered a double leg fracture during pre-season. Osborne came on as a sub.

The Addicks will be at home in the next round against Yeovil, Farnborough or Wokingham & Emmbrook.