Lee Bowyer has provided an update on Josh Cullen ahead of Charlton Athletic’s match against Preston North End, as reported by London News Online.
What did he say?
Josh Cullen has not played a single minute of competitive football since tearing ankle ligaments in a 2-2 draw against Cardiff City, which has seen him miss ten Championship games.
The 23-year-old will be looking to get back into the team as soon as possible and according to Bowyer, he is getting nearer to being included in the squad.
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There is even a chance that he could feature in some way against Preston, as the Addicks manager was quoted by London News Online as saying:
“It might be a bit too soon for this weekend, but if you think when he did his shoulder he was out for longer than three months and I chucked him back in and he did 90 minutes. The kid’s a machine.
“There is a good chance if he gets through the next couple of days that he’ll be travelling with us to Preston.”
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Encouraging signs
Bowyer will likely be wary of rushing the midfielder back into things, but he can prove to be an integral part of the team if he gets onto the pitch.
Despite picking up that lengthy injury, Cullen has made 16 starts in the league this campaign, scoring one goal and adding an assist.
He has also made an impact across the pitch, as is indicated by his statistics: in attack, he averages 1.4 key passes and 0.6 dribbles per game, while he also contributes impressive defensively with 1.9 tackles, 1.1 interceptions, 1.4 clearances and 0.5 blocks.
Having somebody who can come back into the side and have his say in such a variety of ways will be a massive bonus for Bowyer and the Addicks – especially after losing Conor Gallagher.
The hope will definitely be that Cullen can start this game, as Charlton pursue their first win of 2020.
Meanwhile, Alan Nixon has given an update on one Charlton transfer target.