Roy Hodgson has provided an update on the fitness of Cheick Doucoure and Eberechi Eze after the pair suffered injuries during the 2-1 defeat to Luton Town.
The injury suffered by Cheick Doucoure, in particular, looked to be a nasty one as the talented central midfielder went down with no opposition player around him.
Docoure had to be stretchered off the pitch in what looked to be a huge blow for Hodgson and Eberechi Eze had to be taken off in the first half.
Despite a stunning equalising goal from Michael Olise, it was Jacob Brown who scored the winner for the hosts and cemented Palace to their sixth defeat of the season but the injuries will be a big concern.
Hodgson’s update
Speaking to BBC Sport after the defeat to Rob Edwards’ Luton Town, Hodgson has provided an update on the fitness of the pair.
“It’s a real devastating bit of news for us,” Hodgson admitted. “Cheick’s injury is very serious. We don’t quite know how serious Eze’s injury is yet but it is two huge blows for us.”
Eze’s injury, in particular, may well be a big problem for the Eagles’ attack as the former Queen’s Park Rangers midfielder has been one of the club’s best players this season.
Olise has to perform
In the absence of Eze, the pressure will be on Olise to perform in the Englishman’s absence. The French winger netted a stunning equaliser as his superb left-footed effort found the top corner, brilliantly.
The frustration from Hodgson and the Palace fans will be the manner in which the visitors let the hosts retake the lead following the Frenchman’s brilliant goal.
“It was a good goal from Luton’s point of view,” said Hodgson of Brown’s winner. “It was a very bad goal from our point of view to concede, especially at a time we were playing well.”
Despite the manner of the defeat, Olise’s equaliser will surely please Hodgson as the Frenchman will be vital for Palace going forward.
