Shaun Bartlett has reluctantly left The Valley to
join up with his South African team-mates ahead of the
African Nations Cup tournament. <br> It is understood
that Bartlett told the South African FA last week that
he wanted to remain with The Addicks but was ordered
to attend by South Africa, who had threatened to
call FIFA in if he stayed away. <br> The Addicks
striker would not have been able to play for Charlton for
the duration of the competition had he stayed in
London. <br> Bartlett has been on the sidelines for much
of the season and wanted to fight for his first-team
place. He will now miss around six games for the club
while he plays for South Africa and is due back in
February. <br> The South African's departure will give Matt
Svensson the chance to move up the pecking order and stake
a claim along with Jonatan Johansson.
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