Jones: "Hopefully we have a wonderful return to action"

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Nathan Jones is looking forward to returning to Sky Bet Championship football this weekend, with his side hosting Bristol City at The Valley (12.30pm BST).

The Addicks are back in action following an extended international break.

"I don’t think the international break has helped us, but it helped in certain aspects in term of getting people back. But in terms of rhythm, I am not sure it is beneficial but we will know if that was the case at about 3pm on Saturday," the gaffer explained.

"All of the players who have been on international have come back into training today. But even Conor [Coventry] who got back on Monday, hasn’t yet trained fully until today. Ivan [Mesík] and others have been the same. Arthur [Okonkwo] is the only one who has had a full week’s training because he came back slightly earlier."

"We are delighted that we have two internationals that have scored for their country and that is wonderful for them individually and if that gives them a confidence boost then that is superb."

The three-week break has aided the recovery of players that have been on the sidelines through injury.

"Physically, the players that have been out, the break has aided us in the sense that they have had three weeks further to recover, and they haven’t missed a game," he said.

"We are in a significantly better position with pretty much everyone who has been injured."

Zach Mitchell recently returned to the club from his loan spell at Scottish Premiership side St Johnstone after sustaining an injury.

"Zach [Mitchell’s] injury is the freshest one, a young boy going out on loan, doing well, it has been tough for him, that is the downside of being a professional footballer. Collins [Sichenje] is two months into his recovery really and is back with us. Psychologically it causes ups and downs, it is a tough road mentally when you get long-term injuries," he said.

Charlton face Bristol City on Saturday. The Robins currently sit a point and a place above the Addicks in the table.

"It’s another tough Championship game. They are a good side, in good form and they are slightly above us, meaning they have had a good start over the first eight games," he said.

"They have talented players, they are a perennial Championship side, they have been in this game for a long time, but we know it will be tough. We have had enough time to research them we have had three weeks to prepare."

"All I am concerned about is that we are ready. We are back at The Valley, I am hoping we have a good crowd, a good following. I hope they have missed it, and hopefully it is a wonderful return to action."

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