Ben Thatcher is hoping the break in Charlton's fixture list will help him return to match fitness.
Ben Thatcher is hoping the break in Charlton's fixture list will help him return to full match fitness.
Thatcher, who joined Charlton for £500,000 in the January transfer window, missed the game against fellow strugglers Watford through a knee injury.
The Addicks do not have a game until 18th March when they will play host to Newcastle, and Thatcher aims to be available for selection.
"It was disappointing to miss the Watford game, but the knee was too sore to play," Thatcher said.
"With this weekend off, it has given me a good chance and I am hoping to be back for Newcastle."
Charlton are still some six points adrift of safety and need all the bodies they can have in their crucial run-in between now and the end of the season.
They are yet to face Wigan at The Valley and have also to travel to Manchester City - Thatcher's old club - on Good Friday.
But Thatcher is hopeful his club can survive the threat of relegation and hopes to return soon to help his club in their battle for survival.
"I want to get back as quickly as possible - and get back in the fight," Thatcher told the club's official website.
Boss Alan Pardew will also be hoping for the return of Madjid Bougherra and Hermann Hreidarsson who have both have been sidelined with knee problems.
Midfielder Andy Reid and striker Marcus Bent (both hamstring) should also recover in time to face Newcastle.
