Preview: Cardiff v Charlton

By Rob Virtue on October 16, 2008 5:56 PM |

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CHARLTON'S preparations for Saturday's match at Cardiff have been disrupted by an injury to Zheng Zhi.

In a week dominated by talk of a potential takeover from Dubai Investors, on the pitch the Addicks were dealt a blow when it was confirmed Zizi out for between two to three months with an ankle injury.

Manager Alan Pardew said: "Prior to the Ipswich game he was moaning a little bit about his foot which we think was just a bang he got in training from a tackle, an innocuous challenge.

"But following a scan we realised there was an underlying problem which we had to operate on this week, so we've lost a key player there."

Charlton released a statement before this week's pre-match press conference on Thursday, October 16, which said Pardew would not be able to talk about the takeover issue due to a confidentiality agreement.

However, he was able to reveal the players have been boosted by news of the potential takeover by Zabeel Investments, which is currently going through a phase of due diligence.

He said: "There's obviously some news which I can't talk about but I think that has buoyed them. They've been looking very sharp in training this week.

"We haven't banned talking about it because it hasn't really come up. I'm sure they've mentioned it in the changing room but on the training ground we've just been focusing on this important game."

For Cardiff, Nicky Bailey has recovered from a hamstring injury. Matt Holland is set to deputise for Zizi. Pardew will also have to choose between Jose Semedo and Martin Cranie at right back.

Pardew admitted he is not expecting an easy match in Wales.

He said: "They've lost one which is a good record. I like their new striker Ross McCormack who is a good player they found in Scotland. It will be a tough game."