Cuthbert and Cox could return as O’s head to the league leaders

Defender Scott Cuthbert and winger Dean Cox should be back when Orient travel to League One leaders Charlton on Saturday.

Cuthbert missed Tuesday night’s win at Oldham, but should be fit after picking up an injury in last Saturday’s defeat by Sheffield Wednesday.

While Cox, who missed the Oldham game through illness, should also be available.

But O’s will be without defender Ryan Dickson who is suspended after being sent off for the first time in his career at Oldham, while Leon McSweeney (calf) and Jamal Campbell-Ryce (ankle) are also likely to be missing.

Orient beat Charlton 1-0 earlier in the season and travel to the Valley in a positive mood after Tuesday’s win.

It gives Russell Slade’s side a six-point cushion between themselves and the drop zone and the O’s boss believes that a win and acouple of draws from their last eight games will be enough to preserve the club’s League One status.

However, Slade has more ambition than just beating the drop. “We’re probably a win and a couple of draws away from making absolutely certain we’re in this league for next season,” he said.

“I’d rather look the other way. I’d rather say if we finish 13th, which we’re still on for by the way, it would be the second highest finish for 18 years.

“There has been a lot of doom and gloom and a little bit of panic, but fortunately for the football club I’m the most positive man around.

“I think the team reflected that at Oldham. I thought we dominated the first period and were well in control.”