Just what Charlton Athletic needed after arguably their most disjointed and inept performance of the season in Saturday’s 3-0 Barclays Premiership defeat by Liverpool — the possibility of falling victims to a giantkilling as Wycombe Wanderers, of Coca-Cola League Two, visit The Valley in this evening’s Carling Cup quarter-final.

And if things were not bad enough, Charlton will be without Luke Young, the right back and captain, and Andy Reid, their most influential outfield player in recent weeks. Young left Saturday’s match with knee-ligament damage and could be out until February, while Reid’s hamstring strain may cause him to miss the holiday programme.

“It’s a blow because he (Luke) is the captain, he’s been part of England squads and he has a lot of influence among the rest of the squad,” Les Reed, the Charlton head coach, said.

“Wycombe will be looking at our league position and thinking they have a great chance to cause an upset. It’s a big challenge for us, but we have to try and use this as a catalyst.”

Wycombe have already won away to a Premiership club in the competition this season, beating Fulham 2-1 at Craven Cottage in the second round. “No one expects us to get through and we can go there without any fear whatsoever,” Paul Lambert, the Wycombe manager, said.

Charlton came through a stiff test away to Chesterfield in the previous round — albeit on penalties — and welcome back Scott Carson, the goalkeeper on loan from Liverpool, who was ineligible for Saturday’s match.

Charlton Athletic (possible; 4-4-2): S Carson — R Kishishev, T El Karkouri, H Hreidarsson, D Traoré — D Rommedahl, A Faye, M Holland, B Hughes — J F Hasselbaink, D Bent.

Wycombe Wanderers (possible; 4-4-2): J Young — R Martin, S O’Halloran, W Antwi, M Williamson — K Betsy, A Grant, S Oakes, I Anya — T Mooney, J Easter.

Referee: M Clattenburg.