Lisbie gives Curbishley real options

Charlton striker Kevin Lisbie returns after a two-month absence tonight with manager Alan Curbishley hoping he can save the club money in the transfer market.

The 26-year-old forward will play for the reserves against Leicester City after recovering from a troublesome hamstring injury.

His return will be a relief to Curbishley whose leading Premiership marksman is Moroccan defender Talal El Karkouri with only five goals.

While seventh-placed Charlton's 1-0 victory at Everton on Saturday was earned with a 45th minute strike by Matt Holland, Curbishley knows they will need more goals if they are to maintain a realistic challenge for Europe. He said: "Kevin is ready to play his first game for the reserves and it will be good to have him back. He's been out for a long time.

"The transfer market is like a housing chain at the moment. Clubs can't sell players until they've got a replacement so it's been difficult for all the managers.

"In the circumstances, it will be good to have Kevin available again. Chris Perry will also play for the reserves after his injury and Mark Fish was on the bench at Goodison." Lisbie picked up his injury in training soon after his last Premiership appearance against Norwich on 13 November. Charlton's weekend victory took them within seven points of opponents Everton who are fourth.