Crystal Palace are in the midst of a crisis as key players Marc Guehi and Michael Olise came away from Saturday’s defeat to Brighton with injuries.
Olise is expected to be out for a while in a huge blow, whilst there has been more positive news on Guehi, as the centre-back could return within a few weeks.
Nevertheless, Palace are struggling for form, and face a tough schedule as they welcome Chelsea to Selhurst Park next week.
There was some activity in the transfer window as Daniel Munoz and Adam Wharton both signed, with Munoz starting and giving a decent account of himself despite the result on Saturday, and Wharton coming off the bench.
Marc Guehi’s injury could open door for Adam Wharton
With Guehi set to miss the next few games, Roy Hodgson has a decision to make on who can replace him.
Rob Holding is also sidelined, leaving James Tomkins or Chris Richards as centre-back options.
Richards has been playing in midfield, but on Saturday he dropped into the back four, with Wharton coming on for his debut in the middle of the park.
This may perhaps indicate that Hodgson will go with a similar selection next Monday, if he is still in his role as manager, rather than keeping Richards in midfield.
Will Adam Wharton get a fair chance under Hodgson?
Many were excited at the arrival of Wharton, and he looks like a top prospect. However, his price tag, and hype, may mean very little to Hodgson.
Matheus Franca arrived for a substantial fee in the summer, and has hardly seen the pitch under Hodgson, except when he was forced to turn to him as a result of injuries.
Wharton will hope he is not given similar treatment, but for now, his place in the team seems all but certain whilst Guehi is out. Fans will be desperate to see him in midfield, with Richards in his natural position in the back line, rather than a veteran in Tomkins slotting in for Guehi.
