Charlton v Reading

Darren Ambrose could make an earlier than expected return to Charlton's first team at home to Reading on Saturday.

The midfielder, who underwent surgery for a troublesome groin strain during the summer, completed 58 minutes on his comeback for the reserves in Wednesday's 3-1 defeat by Crystal Palace and afterwards reported no ill-effects.

He said: "It feels a little bit sore but that's to be expected. If I'm called up to play against Reading on Saturday then I'll be ready. It's the manager's decision."

Manager Alan Pardew confirmed: "There is every chance that Darren could be involved against Reading."

Meanwhile, with Kelly Youga serving a one-match suspension following his dismissal for a professional foul in the 1-0 defeat at Watford, Kent youngster Grant Basey will start as his replacement.

In-form midfielder Therry Racon misses the match and will be out for a couple of months after sustaining a broken metatarsal against Watford.

"Losing Therry is a blow but we do have Jose Semedo, Matt Holland, Jonjo Shelvey and Josh Wright in that department, which is more than enough," Pardew added.

The manager faces one of his former clubs looking for the side to make a higher tempo start to the game than they did against Watford.

He said: "We didn’t pass as well as we can and that’s something we’ve worked hard at in training this week."

China captain Zheng Zhi arrived back at the club on Thursday but will not be involved against Reading as he prepares to complete a proposed £2 million move to West Bromwich Albion.

On target for the Addicks second string against Palace in midweek was Stuart Fleetwood, signed for £100,000 from Forest Green Rovers a month ago.

A week ago, Pardew announced that the striker would be joining Cheltenham on a month's loan only for the deal to fall through.

"There was a club who wanted to take him on loan and everything was agreed," said Pardew. "Then they changed their minds, which is the best way to put it."

Kelly Youga serves a one-match ban for the game, which starts at 12.45pm due to television coverage.