Russell Slade is hopeful of completing further signings before the start of the new season.

And the Charlton boss admits defensive reinforcements may be needed after two players suffered pre-season setbacks.

Harry Lennon’s groin problem could rule him out for a month while Alou Diarra, who was due to play as a centre-back against Welling United on Saturday, has a hairline fracture of his foot.

When asked whether signing a defender as cover is a possibility, Slade said: “There’s no hiding from the fact that that may well be a priority for us, we will have to seriously look at that.

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“I’d like to think we could bring some more players in between now and the start of the season.

“Teams are beginning to move now and when the Premier League boys and the big Championship clubs move that engineers the market a little bit and players become available.

“There will be movement and there are things I want to do still but you have to be patient – it’s about getting the right player with the right fit at the right time.”

After beating Welling 4-1 at Park View Road at the weekend, Charlton take on Bromley in their second pre-season fixture on Tuesday night.

The next day the squad will travel to Austria, playing two games as part of a week-long training camp.

Slade believes the trip will be important for team spirit but joked that the players may not enjoy the outing as much as he will.

The former Cardiff boss added: “After Bromley we’ve got a trip away to Austria so we’re looking forward to that.

“I’ve got them 24/7 – I don’t know if they will enjoy that but I certainly will because I can work them at 7am and 7pm and really get to know them.

“It is a big part for me, building momentum and team spirit before the new season.”

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