Millwall and Charlton Athletic have both received a timely boost on the injury front as the demanding festive football schedule gets underway in the Championship and League One.
Millwall Duo Set for Squad Return at Blackburn
Millwall manager Alex Neil is hopeful of a double injury boost for this weekend's crucial Championship match away at Blackburn Rovers. The Lions are looking to respond after a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Hull City last time out, a match which also saw Femi Azeez sent off and Zak Sturge substituted early due to injury.
Midfielder Billy Mitchell, who has not played since the 4-0 loss to Birmingham City in early November, is back in training alongside Ryan Leonard. Leonard has been absent since the 2-2 draw with Oxford United around the same period. Their potential return is a significant lift for a squad that has been hampered by injuries this season, with Dan Kelly also missing the Hull game.
Neil remained cautious about their immediate match fitness, telling Southwark News: "We’ve got Billy and we’ve got Lenny on their way back. But again, they haven’t played in a number of weeks. So it’s just whether we feel and they feel themselves as if they can play any part in the game." He added that final decisions would be made closer to the fixture at Ewood Park.
Charlton's Lloyd Jones Fit After On-Field Scare
In League One, Charlton Athletic have been buoyed by positive news concerning defender Lloyd Jones. The centre-back needed medical treatment during the first half of the Addicks' 1-1 draw with Birmingham City but managed to complete the full 90 minutes.
Manager Nathan Jones provided a reassuring update, indicating the issue was less serious than it appeared. "He was on his Christmas party on Sunday, so he couldn’t have been that bad," Jones told reporter Richard Cawley. "He was fine. He felt sick. It looked far more dramatic than what it was."
This is a major relief for Charlton, as Jones has been an ever-present in their league campaign this term. The manager also hinted that two more of the club's six injured first-team players could be in contention for Saturday's home game against Oxford United, with a further two targeting a return on Boxing Day.
Festive Fixture Rush Begins
The updates come at a critical juncture in the football calendar, with clubs facing a condensed run of matches over the Christmas and New Year period. Having key players available can be decisive in navigating this challenging stretch. For Millwall, reinforcing the midfield could provide the stability needed against Blackburn, while Charlton will be eager to maintain their defensive solidity with Jones fit for the visit of Oxford United.
