Today’s training key as Pat Bauer looks to be in contention for Charlton’s game against Bristol Rovers

BY RICHARD CAWLEY

Patrick Bauer’s chances of being in contention for Saturday’s home game against Bristol Rovers is set to be decided by how he reacts to Charlton Athletic training today.

The German defender had been out with a knee injury but played an hour in their FA Cup win in midweek.

“I thought it was tough for him the other day,” said Addicks manager Lee Bowyer. “He did look off it a little bit.

“But he has got that experience – him and Pearcey together. It is something I am going to have to look at and weigh up over the next 24 hours.

“We’ll see how it goes in training today.

“We’ll try and get him through the next couple of days of training. Tomorrow is not a tough day but today normally is. It can go two ways – it can go good for him or not so good for him. He could come in tomorrow saying he is stiff and sore. The last thing we want to do is chuck him in and he breaks down with his knee again – that would be an absolute nightmare.”

Darren Pratley is almost certain to sit out the visit of the Gas with a knee injury.

But Ben Reeves and Jamie Ward are both expected to be fit.

“Krystian [Bielik] played two 90 minutes for Poland – that’s good for us,” said Bowyer. “He is going to be fitter than when he left.

“Jamie Ward had a dead leg but from what I hear he should be fine.”