Defensive duo back in training

Danny Mills and Ben Thatcher have returned to training but are still set to miss Sunday’s Barclays Premiership encounter with Charlton.

Mills (shin) and Thatcher (chest infection) have missed 13 and six matches respectively but the duo’s period on the sidelines seems certain to extend to a further week.

Claudio Reyna (ankle) and Nedum Onuoha (knee) are both out and Stephen Jordan is suspended, while Andy Cole is hopeful of a recall after missing last week’s defeat at Everton.

Team (from): James, Weaver, Sommeil, Dunne, Distin, Sun Jihai, Sinclair, Barton, Musampa, Ireland, Riera, Cole, Vassell, Wright-Phillips, Sibierski, Samaras, Croft, Richards.