Lyle Taylor was a doubt for Charlton’s match against Doncaster on Saturday. The striker had a problem with a stomach muscle – it is a similar type of‎ injury to the one LewIs Page was carrying earlier in the season.

‎Lee Bowyer was desperate for Taylor to play in the match, and more-or-less begged the medical team to patch the striker up so that he could play for an hour or so.

Taylor was clearly not moving freely, but put in his usual whole hearted performance, and delivered a sublime cross for Karlan Grant to nod in the second goal.

But did the gamble really pay off? Grant’s goal would suggest it did, but Taylor is now ruled out for a while.

He definitely misses Tuesday’s game at Walsall, as well as the FA Cup tie at Mansfield on Sunday – th‎ough he would probably not have featured in this game anyway.

If Taylor does not play for Montserrat, the next game he will be required for is the clash with Bristol Rovers at The Valley on 24 November.

Will a three week break be enough for the injury to clear up, or is one that will ultimately require surgery?

Charlton will have to be cautious, Taylor is vital to their promotion hopes. Page was initially ruled out for up to six weeks, that has now been extended to a minimum of ten weeks, effectively ruling him out until the New Year.

Page’s injury has been a major blow to Bowyer, he has no other senior left-back in his squad.

The manger has admitted that a left-back will be his number one priority in the January transfer window, but until then, the defence will continue to have an unbalanced look to it.

Taylor and Grant have forged a good partnership up front, and Grant will have to take on the mantle of being the top man for a few weeks.

Igor Vetokele replaced Taylor on Saturday, but failed to sparkle. Bowyer will have to choose between Vetokele and Nicky Ajose as Grant’s partner at Walsall.

One thing is for certain, Taylor will be a big miss.