There will be fingers crossed across south London today.
As Lee Bowyer said after Charlton Athletic’s 2-0 victory over Northampton Town on Saturday, the seriousness of Alfie Doughty’s injury remains a mystery.
Was it just cramp that ended the youngster’s afternoon early?
Or the kind of hamstring problem that could keep the Addicks’ star man on the sidelines for months rather than weeks?
Charlton fans have no choice but to wait with baited breath.
Bowyer told London News Online that we’ll know more early this week and the feeling of nervousness around the Valley speaks volumes about how important Doughty is to the club’s promotion challenge.
It was Doughty who changed the game against Northampton after all, showcasing that explosive pace once more before forcing an own goal that secured three valuable points in the race for the top six.
On this evidence, it’s no wonder Celtic are already planning a new approach for Doughty in January after failing with two bids for Charlton’s rising star during the summer transfer window, according to the Glasgow Times.
But a long-term injury absence would not only force Celtic to reconsider their plans, it would also do Charlton’s hopes of an immediate return to the Championship no good whatsoever.
Here’s what some Charlton fans had to say on Twitter about the news:
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