Sunderland v Charlton Athletic

CHARLTON manager Alan Curbishley's fears of an injury crisis for the Premiership opener at Sunderland on Saturday have eased.

Striker Shaun Bartlett and midfielder Radostin Kishishev reported no adverse reaction after testing injuries in the pre-season friendly at Gravesend earlier in the week.

Defender Jonathan Fortune, who missed last Saturday's 3-1 friendly defeat against AEK Athens through illness has recovered and will be in the squad.

Fellow centre-back Jonathan Spector is expected to be fit after sustaining muscle damage while working with weights.

Goalkeeper Dean Kiely (broken finger) and Jason Euell (dislocated shoulder) are the only definite absentees.

Russia international midfielder Alexei Smertin, who came off injured at half-time against AEK Athens, is fit to resume.

"The situation has greatly improved since the start of the week," said assistant manager Keith Peacock.

Goalkeeper Thomas Myhre is likely to be on the bench after signing on Monday.