Smertin in line for Chelsea recall

Alexei Smertin is expected to be recalled to Charlton’s side for the trip to West Brom after sitting out the match against Chelsea last week under the terms of his loan deal.

The Russia midfielder returned to start in the Carling Cup win over Hartlepool in midweek and manager Alan Curbishley is set to make several changes to the team which saw off the League One outfit, with Talal El Karkouri and Gonzalo Sorondo both pressing for a first Barclays Premiership appearance against the Baggies.