Charlton Athletic boss expecting ‘extremely motivated’ Chuks Aneke for Wycombe play-off semi tie

Charlton Athletic manager Nathan Jones expects Chuks Aneke to be “extremely motivated” after serving his three-match ban and being available for Thursday night’s League One play-off semi-final decider against Wycombe Wanderers.

The experienced striker saw red late on in the 4-0 victory over the Chairboys in the regulation campaign for an off-the-ball incident.

Charlton appealed the dismissal but it was upheld.

Jones was clearly unhappy at that decision and described himself as being “baffled” that it had not been overturned.

The final match of Aneke’s suspension was the 0-0 draw at Wycombe on Sunday.

“We’re glad to have Chuks back,” said Jones. “Wrongfully we felt (he wasn’t available) but we respected every process and decision, no problem.

“We have had to suffer three games without him but now he gives us a headache because he is available and I’d imagine he is extremely motivated.

“I only know human motivation and if he isn’t motivated it’s a problem – regardless of the injustice, in our opinion, of his ban – because just to miss three matches you have that enthusiasm to get on any football pitch. Two, it is home where he enjoys playing. Three, it is the magnitude of the game and, four, he will have his own motivation, deep down for whatever reason.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD