Charlton manager Guy Luzon has revealed that Addicks’ number one Stephen Henderson is set to be ruled out of the first month of the SkyBet Championship season.

 

Having made the number one jersey his own in his debut season in SE7 last term, the keeper has injured his other shoulder, as opposed to the one that kept him side-lined for a large part of the 2014/15 campaign.

 

The news will come as a big blow for Charlton fans ahead of the season’s opener against QPR at The Valley on Saturday 8th August.

 

“Stephen Henderson will miss the first month of the season, and he’s a key player for the team,” he revealed.

 

“He’ll miss the first month that’s for sure, but I’m happy with Nick Pope and I’m sure he’ll be fine.

 

“It’s his other shoulder than the one he injured last season and that’s the most serious injury for us, but he’ll be back after.”

 

Luzon saw his side play out a 0-0 draw at The Valley on Saturday, and was keen to emphasise his pleasure at the challenge the game posed to his players.

 

“It was our best game of pre-season so far today, we played against a good team that posed a great challenge for us because they had a lot of quality,” he continued.

 

“I think we showed good organisation and passion, with some good opportunities.

 

“It was a step in the right direction and we look like in another two weeks’ time we’ll be ready to face QPR.

 

“For this time of the year I think we’re doing ok, with two weeks before the first game it’s good, and we still don’t have our full squad yet either, but we’ll soon sort that.”

 

There were two more new arrivals into SE7 last week, and the manager revealed more new faces could soon be on the way into the club.

 

“We’re still looking to recruit players to the squad and everyone has a chance to play. 

 

“Here in England we play more than 50 games a season, so it’s important we have young players who can make the step up too.

 

“I hope that we’ll have another two or three players before the start of the season, and then we’ll have a good and competitive squad that can compete in the league.

 

“I know my starting eleven for the QPR game, and I’m always ready. New players take time to adapt to the team and the league so we will not rush to make a decision.”

 

The manager also shed some light on other injured players, as well as revealing who’s in line to replace Yoni Buyens as penalty taker for the side this season.

 

“Igor has a minor injury, and I hope he’ll be ready for the first game of the season, also, Johnnie Jackson has struggled a little with injury, but I’m sure he’ll be able to help us this 

season.

 

“Johann Gudmundsson is our penalty taker this season; he knows he’s got the job.”