TEAM NEWS | Famewo and Washington start Crewe clash

Akin Famewo and Conor Washington both start tonight’s Sky Bet League One encounter against Crewe Alexandra at Mornflake Stadium (7.45pm) as Johnnie Jackson makes two changes.

Famewo replaces Ryan Inniss, who is named among the Addicks’ substitutes bench, while Conor Washington returns to lead the Charlton line having shaken off a minor hamstring niggle.

Stephen Henderson remains in goal for his first league start of the season, as Craig MacGillivray has made the journey back down south with his wife having gone into labour. 

The returning Famewo will operate alongside Sean Clare and skipper Jason Pearce in Jackson’s back-three, with Diallang Jaiyesimi and Ben Purrington continuing in wing-back roles.

Alex Gilbey, George Dobson and Elliot Lee man an unchanged midfield, behind a front two of Jonathan Leko and Washington.

Inniss is joined on the bench by Nathan Harness, Adam Matthews, Ben Watson, Albie Morgan, Corey Blackett-Taylor and Mason Burstow.

Commenting on MacGillivray’s absence, Jackson told CharltonTV: “Macca travelled up with us but he had to shoot off last night because his wife has gone into labour. Obviously some things are more important than football; he needs to be there for the birth so we wish him and his wife all of the best with that. No news as of yet with regards to the baby but we’re watching that closely. 

“I had no qualms about putting Hendo in,” the boss added. “He did great again on Sunday.”

Meanwhile, Jackson was delighted to welcome Washington back into his starting XI, though admitted the Northern Ireland international’s minutes will be managed with Saturday’s trip to Cheltenham Town in mind.

“Obviously we’re going to have to manage that situation carefully tonight,” he said. “We don’t want to risk him and lose him for a longer period. We miss him when he’s not there so we’re really pleased that he’s available for this evening. We have to see how long he can play tonight with one eye on Saturday as well.”

Charlton: Henderson; Clare, earce (c), Famewo; Jaiyesimi, Gilbey, Dobson, Lee, Purrington; Leko, Washington

Subs: Harness, Matthews, Inniss, Watson, Morgan, Blackett-Taylor, Burstow

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