“We could have risked him but he would then have been a bigger doubt for Wednesday,” said Roeder. “Having not played him, he should definitely be fit to play against Charlton.

“He’s just got a slightly sore groin and he’s much too valuable a player for us for the rest of the season to risk.”

A bigger boost for Roeder would be the return of French striker Kanoute, whose season has so far been wrecked by a groin injury.

Kanoute was due back in training today after rehabilitation treatment in Canada, and if he does not make the Charlton game he should be ready for Saturday’s FA Cup fourth-round tie at Manchester United.

“We are told he’s fully fit and ready to go straight back into football,” said Roeder. “Obviously he has a better chance for the Manchester United game as he’ll have had a full week’s training, but we’ll see what shape he’s in.

“I’ve been told by our physio that he’s fighting fit and ready to go this time.”

Also due back in training this week is skipper Paolo di Canio and Roeder added: “Paolo will be back from Bologna on Wednesday and I assume he’ll be in on Thursday to train fully fit.

“It’s a matter of how many days they need before we decide to put them back into action.”

Roeder remained upbeat despite yesterday’s 3-1 defeat and said: “The fact is we are bottom again but we did really well at Arsenal.

“The players will respond off me and I won’t have a problem picking myself up, so there won’t be a problem for Wednesday night.”