Charlton have had their fair share of injuries this season but one absentee may be proving more crucial than first feared.
The Addicks have fell to their fourth straight defeat on Tuesday as Matty Daly’s injury time strike gave Huddersfield a 1-0 win.
Following defeat both the Lee Bowyer and Charlton supporters felt the one man they missed more than any was Josh Cullen.
The midfielder on loan from West Ham has been sidelined since being stretchered off in the 2-2 draw with Cardiff City on October 23.
That point has proved to be the last the Addicks have picked up this season.
“Josh Cullen, unreal, a massive lost,” a downbeat Bowyer said.
“I was watching us against Derby (3-0 win) last night, you don’t appreciate what he does until you watch it back and now he’s not there.
“He’ll be another month out.
“But I’m sure when we start getting players back we’ll turn the corner.”
With a knee ligament injury ruling Cullen out until the New Year, his manager’s words are quite telling considering the quality of players they’ve had in the treatment room, Lyle Taylor, Jonny Williams, Sam Field, Jake Forster-Caskey, Erhun Oztumer to name a few.
Many Charlton fans echoed their managers feeling on the 23-year-old’s absence.
We miss Cullen more than we have missed Taylor it Williams. Look an absolute shambles without him #cafc
— George Summerfield (@summerfield94) December 10, 2019
How we miss Cullen in that midfield! It’s shows even when the boy ain’t playing he’s a top top player #cafc
— Ben (@Benhughes_91) December 11, 2019
Sickening.
— Marcus Ally {...} (@marcus_ally_4) December 10, 2019
Struggling to keep the ball without Cullen. Need him or a similar player like Field or JFC back ASAP to try and dictate a bit, Oshilaja was okay at that against Sheff Wed so he’s an option.
Main plus was the lift we got when Lyle came on. Roll on Friday.#cafc
Long ball don't work in championship. We lacked anything creative. When's Cullen back? #cafc
— Danny King (@Danny_King1) December 10, 2019
Feel like shit just want cullen back #CAFC
— Matt Galler (@MattGaller98) December 10, 2019
So the only improvement seems to be we didn’t concede in the first minute, really missing Cullen #cafc
— David Broughton (@broughton3) December 10, 2019
Cullen gets a lot of credit, but still doesn't get as much as he deserves imo #cafc https://t.co/hRXf6veDAd
— Chicken Fried Kentucky (@Kentukyfrydchic) December 10, 2019
To be blatantly honest, we just lack quality. We miss Cullen. Connor got overrun in midfield tonight.. Taylor still not 100% and we never really look like hanging on to the draw in the end. January can’t come soon enough. #cafc
— ⚽️. Tinzz™️ (@LTinsley08) December 10, 2019
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article