Charlton Athletic manager Michael Appleton has revealed that Conor McGrandles will be sidelined for a period ranging from four to six weeks. The midfielder, who was substituted late last month against Cheltenham Town and subsequently missed the FA Cup match against Gillingham, pulled out of training on Friday. The scan results indicate a grade two injury, posing a setback for Charlton as they approach the festive fixtures and aim to climb the League One standings.
McGrandles, 28, has been a valuable asset in the middle of the park for Charlton, contributing to their depth and competition. Despite experiencing a previous spell out of favor at The Valley, the Scotsman had successfully reclaimed a spot in the team under Appleton.
The injury is particularly frustrating for McGrandles, who returned to Charlton after a loan stint at Cambridge United in the second half of the previous season.
Since joining Charlton in 2022, McGrandles has made 19 appearances for the club in various competitions, including seven this season. His absence will be felt in upcoming matches, with Charlton facing Reading in the EFL Trophy tonight and a league fixture against Cambridge at home over the weekend – a game where McGrandles will not be able to face his former team. The midfielder’s current contract with Charlton is set to expire in June 2024, making him a free agent next year.