Injured Addicks keeper Misses WC
NOT too many World Cup dreams are broken at the Pirelli Stadium but one was on Saturday.
When Charlton Athletic goalkeeper Joe Wollacott hurried to the tunnel in pain during the warmup, his place as Ghana’s first-choice keeper for the tournament was gone.
Wollacott has a broken finger after an innocuous accident as he warmed up for what was to be his last game for the Addicks before travelling to the World Cup.
Bristol-born, the 26-year-old has slowly moved up the rankings since starting his career with Bristol City – alongside Burton’s Jonny Smith for five years – and being loaned out to seven different non-league clubs.
He then played for Swindon Town last season before signing for Charlton for this season and has 11 caps for Ghana.
Charlton manager Ben Garner said: “Everyone at the club is bitterly disappointed for Jojo.
“He played such an important part in Ghana getting to the World Cup and we all know how much he was looking forward to it. For the injury to happen so close to the tournament and in such innocuous fashion is very cruel.
“My understanding is that following surgery he will still meet up with the Ghana squad and
remain a key member of their travelling party.
“Knowing Jojo as I do he will respond to this setback with great maturity and a determination to come back even stronger.
“I think the world of him, both as a person and as a player. It goes without saying that Jojo will receive our full love, care and support throughout this coming period.”
Wollacott had replaced Craig Macgillivray as Charlton’s first choice this season but Macgillivray stepped in at the last minute to turn in a man-of-thematch performance for his side in the 3-3 draw with Burton.