Charlton could lose Wagstaff for crucial game with league leaders

Charlton could be without key man Scott Wagstaff as they welcome League One leaders Brighton to the Valley on Saturday.

Wagstaff has hit five goals already this campaign and is the Addicks top scorer, he will be a big loss as Charlton try to restart their faltering promotion campaign.

He was withdrawn at half time in the Addicks 2-2 draw with Plymouth at the weekend and manager Phil Parkinson told the media Wagstaff was clearly in some discomfort.

“He got a whack on his foot and was in quite a lot of pain at half-time” said Parkinson.

“Scotty’s a tough lad and he wouldn’t come across with just anything, so we brought him off and we’ll see how he is.”

Wagstaff’s absence could hit Charlton hard, as they’ve yet to really hit their stride in League One and are languishing in 10th place.

Initially billed as one of the favourites to go up, their promotion odds have increased to 16/1 and they’ve only won four times all season.

Their opponents this weeked on the other hand, have enjoyed a terrific start to the season.

Predicted to be mid table at best, Gus Poyet’s Brighton are now 10/1 to win League One.

Brighton travel to Charlton with odds of 13/8 on them taking the three points at the Valley, and will welcome back captain Gordon Greer into central defence after he sat out the game with Bournemouth at the weekend.

Charlton will hoping that if Wagstaff doens’t make it, then new signing Paul Benson can continue the form that bagged him two goals against Plymouth at the weekend.

They’re priced at 5/4 to beat Brighton and take a step toward promotion back to the Championship.

Paul Benson is 25/1 to end the season as League One’s top scorer, see the full League One top scorers market here.