Charlton defender Patrick Bauer is set to be sidelined for a month after his latest injury setback.

The 23-year-old, who joined the club in the summer from Portuguese club Maritimo, has been struggling with injury since being forced off during the 4-0 defeat to Burnley on December 19.

The German centre back suffered abdominal pain at Turf Moor and has been unable to feature in the Addicks’ last three fixtures.

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Bauer was expected to be absent for around three weeks before Christmas, but News Shopper understands he still faces around a month on the sidelines.

Despite two costly red cards in eight games, Bauer will be a significant miss, although the deals for Rhys Williams and Roger Johnson provide the club with timely defensive reinforcements.

Bauer could miss Championship fixtures against Huddersfield, Hull, Blackburn and Rotherham as he bids for a return to fitness.