Charlton Athletic boss Lee Bowyer has revealed three of his players have declined a return to training - and has predicted that many clubs will be facing similar circumstances.
The Addicks chief has been one of the most vocal in arguing that clubs cannot be relegated on a points-per-game system but has also previously admitted that some of his players may opt against completing the season.
Speaking to BBC Five Live, former Leeds midfielder Bowyer has now confirmed that, after telling his players it was their choice over whether to return to training, three have opted against doing so.
However, the Charlton manager said he does not think they are the only club to be missing players at the moment and admitted that clubs with bigger squads will find the issue easier to cope with.
He said: “I met the players on Saturday before we did our first test and asked them all individually, that it was their choice, did they want to come back and play the remainder of the season?
“Every single player I asked, and I said it was no pressure, it’s their choice.
“All but three have said yes, so that’s a good number for me. There’s no pressure, I understand everyone has different circumstances.
“Of course I’d rather everyone come back because the more players you’ve got, the bigger squad you’ve got and the more chance of winning games.
“That isn’t the case and we’ll have to adapt. I’m sure there’s other players at other teams who’ve also said no. It’s everyone as individuals.”
There has been a lot of debate over what should happen to players who decline a return to training, and Bowyer admitted that he was unsure where the club stood contractually on the issue.
“I don’t know,” he said. “That’s a good question and I honestly don’t know the answer to it.
“It’s something we’ll have to look into. As it stands today, all I’m concentrating on is trying to get this group of players that have said yes ready for the first game.
“Whatever happens contract-wise behind the scenes is not for me to decide, that’s the football club.”
