Charlton Athletic dealt injury setback as Bolton manage blow for Leyton Orient clash

Charlton Athletic will be without first choice goalkeeper Ashley Maynard-Brewer for this weekend's meeting with Exeter City following an injury picked up by the 25-year-old against Birmingham City last time out.

Maynard-Brewer came off at half-time during the 1-0 defeat at St Andrew's and Addicks boss Nathan Jones has now confirmed that the player has a groin injury that will require time on the sidelines. The goalkeeper has started the last 18 fixtures for Charlton Athletic in League One, with the club losing just two of their last 14 outings.

Will Mannion is set to come in against Exeter City. The 26-year-old had started the season as number one before losing his starting berth in November. He came on to finish the game at Birmingham City and was given the backing of Jones ahead of the visit of Exeter City.

Nathan Jones backs Charlton Athletic shot-stopper

Jones told the South London Press: “You don’t necessarily have a number one – you need a goalkeeper department that’s really strong. We needed to improve it slightly, which we did. We’re constantly looking to improve every part of the squad.

“We have good competition. Ashley was probably unlucky not to start the season, but we brought Will in and he was excellent in pre-season. Neither one of them have deserved to be left out in any way – their performance levels have been very good.

“We have kept good clean sheets and been very secure. We haven’t had any performances where the goalkeeper has been really at fault.  I understand people say the goalkeeper department is a specialist one where one knows they play and the other one supports, but I’m not a big believer in that.

“No one ever gifted me anything in my career – I had to work hard. Every club I was at brought in left-backs left, right and centre. It’s good to have two recognised ones because when one is out, you put the other one in and you have no fear. That’s the position we’re in.”

Bolton Wanderers fear injury blow for Leyton Orient

Meanwhile, London League One rivals Leyton Orient face an enticing play-off six-pointer against Bolton Wanderers this weekend. The O's travel to the Toughsheet Community Stadium just three points and two places above Bolton.

There is a potential boost for Richie Wellens' side, who go into the match after three wins in a row, with Bolton sweating over the fitness of defender Gethin Jones. The 29-year-old has been key for the side, his versatility seeing him deployed at right midfield last time out, but will undergo checks during the next 24 hours to see if he can face Leyton Orient.

Jones picked up a sore rib against Shrewsbury Town and may not have recovered in time to play on Saturday. Speaking ahead of facing Leyton Orient, Bolton boss Steven Schumacher said: “We’ve got a tough run of fixtures coming up, starting on Saturday, so we need to make sure that we’re fully prepared and ready for it. It should be a good game and one I’m looking forward to. I’ve known Richie for a long time – we did our pro licences together.”

In other news, one Charlton Athletic striker has sent a rallying call to the club following an impressive run of form.