There are a few theories circulating about the reasons for Abdul Razak’s return to Manchester City.

The Premier League champions do have an injury or two in their midfield department but it seems unlikely that Razak will be pitchforked straight into City’s first team. Surely if that was the case, both clubs would have said something along those lines?

Poor attitude is another theory, but again there is little evidence to support it. With both clubs remaining tight lipped, Razak’s lack of game time at The Valley is a far more likely explanation.

Dorian Dervite has been pushed into midfield recently and Bradley Pritchard and Danny Hollands, who came on as a late substitute in both games, were preferred at Leeds and Wolves. Razak was an unused substitute.

City would probably think the player is better off playing regular Under-21 football for them, or they may have another Championship club lined up for him.

There are rumours suggesting that Eddie Howe is keen to take Danny Hollands back to Bournemouth. Hollands has struggled this season after undergoing foot surgery during the summer. If the Addicks are willing to release Hollands, his salary could prove to be a stumbling block to a permanent move back to his former stomping ground.

When Razak arrived, Chris Powell said that central midfield was an area he had been looking to bolster. With the manager now regularly utilising a 4-5-1 formation, there are three, rather than two, central midfield places up for grabs. It seems likely therefore, that Powell will be looking to bring in reinforcements.

Bradley Pritchard, Dorian Dervite and Johnnie Jackson are the current incumbents, with Dale Stephens – recovering from injury – and Danny Hollands providing the back up.

Whether Pritchard is robust enough for the rigours of a permanent berth in the middle of the park is open to question. Dervite has done well but it remains to be seen if he can successfully make the switch from defence on a full time basis. Jackson and Stephens tend to suffer with injuries while Hollands’ future is unclear.

One, and possibly two new recruits are probably needed to bring the engine room back up to strength. November is a busy month with six matches scheduled, four at home as well as trips to Bristol City and Burnley. The ’emergency’ loan window closes at the end of next month so decisions will have to be made in the next few weeks.

No deals can be done in December when another six games are due to be played. Brighton, Ipswich and Derby will visit The Valley while the Addicks have to go to Millwall, Bolton and Sheffield Wednesday. Those twelve games will go a long way to shaping Charlton’s season and the club will need to ensure they enough players of the right quality to negotiate the busy schedule.