CHRIS Dickson is expected to be out of action for up to three months after sustaining a knee injury in bizarre circumstances.

The Charlton striker missed Tuesday's 1-0 victory over Stoke after twisting his knee in a hotel prior to the game.

Dickson, who has a growing reputation after an impressive loan spell at Gillingham, was expected to feature prominently for the Addicks in the remainder of the campaign, but now those hopes have been dealt a major blow.

Manager Alan Pardew confirmed: "He got injured in a freakish accident when he went to the hotel to rest and hurt himself in reception.

"That's Chris Dickson. Those guys who know him will know he was probably dancing or something.

"He has hurt his knee quite badly so unfortunately we feel we are going to miss him for a fair amount of time, which is a shame because I really wanted to loan out Izale McLeod and get him some games.

"It is a bit early to say, but he could be out for two or three months."