Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson made a concerning comment about Jefferson Lerma and Jordan Ayew ahead of the match against Luton.
He was talking about the pair in his latest press conference.
So, what was Roy Hodgson’s worrying update on the Crystal Palace duo? Let’s take a look…
What’s the story?
Jefferson Lerma and Jordan Ayew are both key players for Crystal Palace, and they have been massively influential this season.
The pair were both playing for their countries over the international break, and Lerma shone for Columbia during the week.
Now, it looks like the pair could possibly be knackered and this is due to the fact that they are just back from playing for their countries.
Journalist Edmund Brack tweeted: “Roy Hodgson confirms that Jefferson Lerma and Jordan Ayew only returned from international duty in time for this morning’s training session”
Roy Hodgson makes concerning comment about Crystal Palace duo
With the pair only back from travelling in South America and Africa and also featuring for their countries, there is the argument to say that they could be knackered.
Now, with the two just back and able to play in one training session which was this morning, it could be a risk to play them.
We saw Cheick Doucoure not start against Everton. This is because he only returned to training the day prior after an injury. With this in mind, there is the argument to suggest that Hodgson does something similar with Ayew and Lerma.
With the Eagles facing tough opposition away from home in Luton, it is very concerning to hear that the pair only returned to training today.
They are very important, especially defensively, and when you face a team battling for survival away from home you want your strongest team.
Of course, Hodgson may still play the two from the start, but the fact that he mentioned it in his press conference suggests that it is something on his mind ahead of the match.
