As expected, Josh Magennis has been called up for the Northern Ireland squad next month.
Michael O’Neill’s team will play Switzerland over two legs in a World Cup play-off game. The winners will appear in the finals in Russia next summer.
With Jay Dasilva and Ezri Konsa expected to be part of England’s Under-20 squad, Charlton would have the three call ups necessary to request postponement of the Shrewsbury game on 11 November.
But would they do that?
Karl Robinson is a manager who likes to play games where possible, rather than risk a fixture pile up later in the season. Obviously this has to be tempered with tha strength of the opposition and the options he has available.
Shrewsbury have been the surprise package of League One this season, and have topped the table for several weeks.
They currently lead the Addicks by seven points, though Robinson’s team have a game in hand.
If Charton win that game in hand – against Peterborough at The Valley – and beat the Shrews, that gap would be down to a single point.
The Shropshire side have had a minor blip recently. Draws at Walsall and Plymouth were followed by a 4-0 home win over Bristol Rovers, but it took a late goal to see them beat Fleetwood at the New Meadow.
A Marcus Maddison wonder strike at London Road on Saturday was enough for Peterborough to end Paul Hurst’s side’s unbeaten record.
The Addicks have taken fifteen points from their last seven games, and have won the last two. Robinson may feel the momentum is with his team.
Lewis Page is expected to play this week, and Naby Sarr has been in fine form this season, so the manager has decent defensive cover.
Magennis is harder to replace, but Charlton have won the two games – against Bristol Rovers and Oldham – that the Irishman has missed this season.
In all probability, the Addicks are likely to seek a postponement, but the manager may have a nagging doubt at the back of his mind.
TAGS: Charlton Athletic