Charlton v Shef Wed

Jonathan Fortune is out of Charlton’s side to face Sheffield Wednesday at The Valley on Saturday after sustaining medial knee ligament damage in the weekend’s goalless draw at Nottingham Forest.

The central defender limped off in the second half at the City Ground and now faces the prospect of being on the sidelines for four to six weeks.

The news is a blow to manager Alan Pardew, who has repeatedly stressed the need for a settled side.

“Fortunately, Jon doesn’t need an operation so we’re letting nature take its course,” said manager Alan Pardew.

The Addicks boss is also without Linvoy Primus, who could have deputised for Fortune.

The on-loan centre-back has yet to satisfy Pardew of his fitness after arriving earlier this month from Portsmouth.

Pardew will select from Jose Semedo, Martin Cranie and Kelly Youga as skipper Mark Hudson partner at the heart of the defence.

Midfielder Zheng Zhi returns to the squad for the first time since the collapse of his proposed move to West Bromwich Albion in the summer.

Also back in contention for the first time is striker Svetoslav Todorov who suffered ruptured cruciate ligaments last season.

“We’ll need to start on the front foot and take the game to them, ” said Pardew. “I expect them to play 4-5-1 and try and keep it tight. So far as we’re concerned, we’ll line up in a 4-4-2."

Phil Parkinson, Charlton’s assistant manager, is staying with the club despite strong speculation linking him with a return to his old club Colchester who parted company with Geraint Williams this week.

“I’ve told Phil that we need him here and I don’t think there is any chance of him returning to Colchester,” said Pardew.