Chris Solly is to undergo exploratory keyhole surgery on his right knee. His knee has given the 27-year-old problems for several years now.
He last played in the rearranged game at Blackpool last month. The match was played on a heavy pitch.
In total, Solly has played in 264 games for the Addicks, scoring two goals. He is a one club man, and has not even had a loan stint away from The Valley.
Charlton’s Head of Medical Services, Alastair Thrush, issued the following statement on Monday afternoon:
“Chris Solly will undergo exploratory key-hole surgery on his right knee this week.
The full-back suffered the injury to his right knee against Blackpool in March and, despite best efforts with conservative management that included a return to running outside, he has been unable to complete the high-end movements and ballwork required of him to allow him to return to full training.
As such, the decision has been taken – in conjunction with his knee specialist – for Solly to undergo exploratory arthroscopic surgery.
If the procedure is simple as hoped, the academy graduate should return in time for the start of pre-season.”
The last paragraph suggests that Solly’s availability for the start of next season is far from guaranteed.
The Addicks travel to Shrewsbury on Tuesday, needing to take something from the game to keep their slim play-off hopes alive.
Lee Bowyer has rotated his full-backs recently, so Ezri Konsa and Lewis Page may come in for Anfernee Dijksteel and Jay Dasilva.
Bowyer may consider giving Josh Magennis a start up front. Ahmed Kashi, Tariqe Fosu and Stephy Mavididi are others who will be pushing for a start. Charlton could look like this:
Amos; Konsa. Bauer, Pearce, Page; Forster-Caskey, Aribo, Fosu, Reeves; Magennis, Ajose.
Subs: Phillips, Dijksteel, Dasilva, Lennon, Kashi. Mavididi, Zyro.
The referee will be Darren Handley from Lancashire.
The Addicks will need to return to the form they showed in Bowyer’s first three games in charge if they are to have a chance of taking something from this game.