As feared, Charlton Athletic full-back Rhoys Wiggins faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

When Wilfried Zaha accidentally stood on his foot, damage to the metatarsals looked likely.

Wiggins has broken two of the bones and physio, Erol Umut, expects the injury to keep the player out for around two months. It would be no surprise if it was longer though. Metatarsals can be slow to heal, then Wiggins will need a game or two to be fit enough for the first team.

Though Chris Solly performed admirably when switched to the left on Friday, it is likely that Cedric Evina will get the chance of a decent run in the team.

The area that has caused most concern for the Addicks this season is midfield. Powell has tinkered with the shape on occasions and Jackson and Pritchard have generally struggled. Danny Green enjoyed an impressive cameo against Palace and will be pressing for a start at Pride Park. Of the regular quartet, only Dale Stephens has looked consistently comfortable at this level.

The Addicks look set to go into the loan market in the near future with Sky reporting interest in Newcastle’s young Algerian midfielder, Mehdi Abeid. The club have looked at other options as well, and may prefer more experience in the central positions.

Meanwhile, Chris Powell will be pondering his line-up for the vital game at Derby.