Michael Morrison and Matt Taylor were the bedrock of Charlton’s defence last season, though Leon Cort seemed to have moved
ahead of Taylor in the pecking order by the end of the season.

For several years now, the Addicks have been short of numbers in central defence. Last season they operated with just three  senior centre-backs, though the relatively untried Yado Mambo was a back-up option.

Mambo is currently injured, Leon Cort appeared to be carrying a hamstring strain at the end of Tuesday’s match with Leyton  Orient and trialist, Dorian Dervite, has apparently failed a medical.

Morrison and Taylor look the only options for Saturday with no experienced cover available for the bench.

Morrison and Taylor will need to be wrapped in cotton wool prior to travelling to Birmingham.