Charlton Athletic: Nathan Jones provides update on Miles Leaburn situation | OneFootball

Miles Leaburn was substituted during Charlton Athletic's 2-1 loss to Huddersfield Town last weekend

Nathan Jones has clarified the situation with Miles Leaburn after he limped off during Charlton Athletic’s 2-1 loss to Huddersfield Town on Saturday.

The 20-year-old made just his sixth league appearance of the campaign, and only his third start, before coming off in the closing stages of the defeat to the Terriers.

Supporters will be concerned that he limped off the pitch after 79 minutes of action given the significant injury issues that have plagued him over the last year.

The forward spent almost a whole year on the sidelines with a hamstring issue, and only returned to action at the start of October.

A further injury absence would be a real blow for the Addicks, leading to supporters showing their concern at his substitution.

Nathan Jones provides Miles Leaburn injury update

Jones has confirmed that the situation with Leaburn is not as bad as initially feared and that the forward was struggling with cramps.

The Charlton boss has claimed that his lack of game time lately was at the root of the issue and that it will still take some time before he is fully back up to speed.

“He was cramping up,” said Jones, via London News Online.

“So was [Rarmani Edmonds-Green] because they haven’t played a lot of games lately.

“We just need to make sure that we’re using the squad and maintaining that.

“[Leaburn is] still gathering momentum.

“To be able to do 90 minutes at the level we need, it’s going to take a little bit of time.”

Charlton suffered a second defeat in a row on Saturday with their trip to face Huddersfield.

The London club are now without a win in each of their last five league games, with their last victory coming against Birmingham City on 5 October.

Matt Godden had levelled the scores in the 32nd minute after Matty Pearson’s 13th-minute opener, but David Kasumu’s 63rd-minute strike earned all three points for Michael Duff’s side.

Charlton Athletic league position

Charlton’s poor run of form in recent weeks has seen them drop to 14th in the League One table.

The Addicks have earned 19 points from their opening 15 fixtures, leaving them seven points adrift of the play-off places.

Jones’ side will be aiming to contend for a top-six finish this campaign, but have fallen behind rivals with their failure to win any of their last five.

Up next for Charlton is a trip to face Burton Albion on Tuesday night, where Leaburn will be looking to make his fourth start in a row since his injury comeback.

Leaburn caution will be a relief for supporters

Leaburn coming off with a limp would’ve given plenty of reason for concerns for supporters, so these comments will be a relief to hear for many.

Jones has to manage the forward’s minutes, as coming back into the team after nearly a year out will mean gradually getting up to speed.

While the team’s poor form will put some pressure on the manager, it is vital that he continues prioritising his players’ health, as he cannot risk potentially injuring them and leaving them on the sidelines long-term.

The clash with Burton is now a big one for Jones after Saturday’s defeat, and all three points will be needed to restore confidence in his side.