The Addicks were without three players when they reported back for training‎ on Monday – David Davis, Tomer Hemed and Matt Smith.

Birmingham loanee, Davis, does not think it is safe to return to London, but Israeli international, Hemed, and Smith – who has been undergoing tests at parent club Manchester City – will be back at Sparrows Lane on Friday.

Lee Bowyer – still very much a player at heart – is understanding of Davis’ predicament and said:

“I spoke with David at the weekend and he explained he didn’t think it was safe to come back to London.

“That was his decision, I won’t hold that against him. It is his life and he’s got a young kid.”‎

‎Charlton fans have only seen glimpses of Davis at his best, but he is an experienced, combative type midfielder who would be an invaluable option in the relegation dog fight.

Director of Football, Steve Gallen, is in contact with the player and can hopefully persuade him to return.

But Bowyer will be happy with the options available to him as his side try to claw themselves away from the relegation zone.

The players are naturally delighted to be back. Skipper, Jason Pearce, summed up their feelings:

‎”It was obviously good to be back, to see the lads, all the familiar faces. Obviously we’ve been away for a long time – longer that what we’d normally get off at the end of the season, so it’s been quite weird, so it’s been straight back to work.

“We’ve worked since pretty much day one in lockdown and everyone has been doing it. So, we’ve got a good level of fitness.

“Coming back now we’re getting the balls out, which is obviously a different type of fitness, which is what we need. It’s enjoyable.”