Charlton Athletic v Arsenal

CHARLTON midfielder Andy Reid has an outside chance of returning for Saturday's visit of Arsenal.

The Republic of Ireland international, who was recalled this week to the squad for the Euro 2008 qualifiers against Cyprus on October 7 and the Czech Republic on October 11, has not played since sustaining a groin injury at Chelsea on September 9.

"He’s very close to being available," said Charlton boss Iain Dowie, whose side have won only one of their opening six Premiership games.

But Dowie is resigned to being without Souleymane Diawara, Djimi Traore, Jerome Thomas, Omar Pouso and Gonzalo Sorondo until after the forthcoming international break.

The Addicks boss, who has found himself under early fire from some supporters following the club’s worst start to a Premiership season, stressed: "It's all about hard work, doing the right things in training and keeping confidence high.

"I'm not about to change what I believe in and it's important that nobody becomes frustrated."

The match marks the celebration of 10 years in the Premiership for Gunners manager Arsene Wenger and Dowie was quick to praise his achievements.

"Arsene Wenger has been among the best, if not the best in that time. He is the epitomy of what every manager should aspire to be. He’s so calm and so very thoughtful."

Of Charlton’s game plan, Dowie said: "We’re must be very resilient and not drop off to let them have the ball at will. We must attack them when we have the opportunity."

* Keep up to date with all the news from The Valley every week in the Bexley Extra.