Jackson gone but Youga back? Johnnie Jackson has gone back to Notts County after being ruled out with a torn hamstring for 6 weeks. I watched his debut at home to Yeovil and was impressed with the intellect and simplicity in which he played the game and losing him is a big blow for Saturday.

On first thoughts that is 3 left backs we have now lost this season, but incredibly from nowhere Kelly Youga today declared himself fit to play. I've followed the injury of Kelly via quotes on the official site and it doesn't look at any time since his last game at home to Bristol Rovers in November that he has realistically been anywhere near full fitness.

Youga's absence has coincided with our drop in form and on past experience implausibly our defensive frailties too so I would love to see him back but is he ready for the cauldron of Saturday? Does Parky go with Solly and risk a young man playing on the wrong side or Llera maybe a better bet to add some solidity to a back four with Sodje returning to partner Dailly.

The other choice is Semedo (also right-footed) but I personally want to see him patrol our midfield as I think we will get overrun without him. This brings me onto Therry Racon. What has happened to him? On the way back from the pre-season game with Bournemouth I was laying down bets that he would be our player of the year and get 10 goals. Hopefully my car-mates that day have forgotten that conversation..

He has in fact got just one goal, a late consolation against Bristol Rovers, and has looked terribly off the pace in recent months. His best form came in the early season five-man midfield with Semedo doing his defensive work and Bailey his attacking but Racon was a useful conduit and made some swaggering runs. There is a football saying that players are just too good for certain divisions, one I don't accept, and he impressed when at Brighton at the same level (4 man midfield too) two years ago.

Pardew never rated him (even though he bought him) but many still see Therry as one of our most naturally gifted players. Without a doubt he is more gifted than say, Nicky Bailey but like his forgotten right-back countryman unless you have the right attitude and work rate then it doesn't count a jot in the 3rd tier of English football.

With massive games coming up and the playing surfaces improving I still hope that Racon can play his part in an historical Charlton season.  ¶ 13:11