Charlton's League One promotion hopes have suffered a blow after centre-back Christian Dailly was ruled out for up to five weeks with a fractured eye socket.
The 36-year-old former West Ham defender was injured in the first-half of last Wednesday's Johnstone's Paint Trophy win against Dagenham & Redbridge but refused to be substituted and will undergo surgery tomorrow.
"He will miss four to five weeks," said Charlton manager Phil Parkinson.
"The good thing is that because of the nature of the problem, he'll be able to do physical work after a few days rest, so when he comes back he should be close to match fitness."
And Parkinson admits his team will improve as the season progresses after a busy close season at the Valley saw 10 players join the club over the summer.
"It takes time and we have to accept that- I'm confident we will challenge," he added.
Meanwhile, Charlton's Johnstone's Paint Trophy second round clash with MK Dons on 5 October will be broadcast live on Sky.
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