Charlton star Alou Diarra could miss the start of the new season with a hairline fracture of his foot.

The Frenchman was due to play 45 minutes in the Addicks’ pre-season friendly against Welling United today but pulled up in the warm-up.

Charlton won 4-1 at Park View Road thanks to Nicky Ajose’s second-half hat-trick and El-Hadji Ba’s early header.

Slade said after the game: “We had some bad news about Diarra.

“It’s a slight hairline fracture in his foot – which is something he’s had before – which now means he’ll be out for several weeks.

“So we’ve not had much luck with our centre-backs at the minute. Harry [Lennon] was not available today as well so it’s a troublesome position for us.

“But Roger Johnson was excellent and very steady for us with nice influence at the back.”

When asked how long Diarra’s injury will keep him sidelined for, Slade said: “At this stage we don’t know.

“The medical team will look at it more closely, it’s not a major fracture but there is a light fracture there.

“I’m not sure how long it will take to heal at this stage.

“You’re looking at weeks, maybe six weeks, it’s not something he’s going to get over quickly.”