Darren Bent Ruled Out

Charlton have been dealt a major blow with news that Darren Bent is once again injured.



The prolific striker who is our main hope of survival has had problems with his knee again and will play no part on Sunday versus Newcastle.

Also January signing Ben Thatcher is ruled out with a knee complaint.

'Ben Thatcher is definitely out and Darren Bent is highly unlikely to play because he's aggravated his knee and we can't afford to take a chance on that" explained Pardew.

'Darren's situation is a tricky one because another week and he would be perfect, but it's a little bit early to be risking him. We don't want to push him back of course so it's a bit of a Catch 22 call that one - we're not going to win either way."

Although that news is a big problem for Charlton fans we may see some welcome replacements in Sundays starting eleven.

'All the others have all got a chance of playing, so Bougherra, Hreidarsson, Marcus Bent, who has been carrying a knock, and Darren Ambrose, who's got a bit of a knock too, should all be fit", said Pardew.

'It's just this time of year really when not everybody is out there when you want them to be but we've just got to be patient and hope that when the teamsheet goes in on Sunday it will be a very strong team."

Reports had suggested earlier in the week that Andy Reid will be fit but this is untrue. The Irishman has had to go under the knife for his hamstring problem that`s kept him out for most of the season.

'It was just going on and on so we decided to just take some scar tissue away from his hamstring and that procedure has gone very well," he said.

'Andy is very happy about it but we have some convalescing to do. I think he'll be back in a month to six weeks."

One thing to be grateful for is that Alex Song is playing well and he is a perfect replacement for the inspirational Reid.
All of Charlton`s games are massive and if we are thinking we can get out of relegation then the home games must produce 3 points. Pardew has again backed us fans to raise the atmosphere on Sunday.

"The atmosphere in every home game since I've been here has been absolutely incredible. Even in the defeat to Middlesbrough the fans were brilliant."
'They understand that they are now looking at a team that is giving everything to try and get the result."

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