Charlton skipper Johnnie Jackson could be out for four to six weeks after picking up a hamstring injury in the win over Brentford at the weekend.

Jackson limped off after crashing into the hoardings and looks set to be out for a few weeks. Hamstring injuries need time to heal and with Jackson not being the quickest of healers, it could well be the New Year before he returns.

Hogan Ephraim, who replaced Jackson on Saturday, looks set to get an early opportunity in the starting line-up. Here’s what Chris Powell had to say:

“Obviously, he’s not very good, it’s very early to predict but when a hamstring goes, you are never back within a few days, that’s for certain.

“He (Jackson) will have a scan on Monday and then we will go from there. It’s one of the reasons that I brought in cover on the left side because it’s one area I felt we definitely needed to strengthen.

“So if John doesn’t make it next Monday, then obviously I have a left-sider of Premiership quality to come in for a big game, but a game I’m sure he will be ready for.”

Ephraim played 28 games in QPR’s promotion winning team last season and featured at Everton in August, so he has the ability to make a real impression. Jackson’s injury has led to speculation that Ephraim’s loan could be extended beyond 3 January or even be made permanent. Powell continued:

“Maybe, but it’s very early. He’s settled in very well and of course it’s about game-time and seeing him expressing himself within our team and joining in with our team ethic.

“He’s done that already, and he did today. He got on the field in difficult circumstances and played his part, so that’s good.

“Of course, we will see what he’s thinking, and what QPR are thinking, after six weeks. It’s a chance for him now to get some game-time and really express what he showed at QPR last season.

“He’s a good talent and it will be good to see him in a red shirt. His chance may come quite soon now, so we are going to make sure he is ready and fits in, knows how we play and expresses himself.”

It was an eventful day for wide players at Griffin Park. As well as Jackson sustaining an injury, Brentford’s right- back, Shaleum Logan, was stretchered off after a lengthy stoppage following a collision with his own keeper, Richard Lee. On a brighter note for the wide players, Charlton’s winning goal came from a hard, low, driven cross from Danny Green. The manager had these thoughts about Green’s performance:

“He played well, he’s a player who we know has got very good qualities.

“It’s been a bit stop-start for him and I think like most players, if you get a bit of a run in the team and you start to show what you are good at, then you can flourish and he is beginning to do that.

“It was a terrific ball in, a Premiership quality ball in, and Danny Hollands nearly got on it, but the master marksman, Bradley, got on in the end. If he gets a ball in of that quality he will gobble it up,” said Chris.

Chris will use the week ahead to formulate his plan for next Moday’s titanic clash with Huddersfield.