Crystal Palace’s Saturday could not have gone worse regarding scoreline or injuries, but the club remain hopeful over one man.
The Roy Hodgson regime took another substantial blow in a massive game for the club on Saturday while facing rivals Brighton. Losing 4-1 to Roberto De Zerbi’s side, however, was overshadowed by injury woes.
Michael Olise is the one everyone is thinking about, as the electric winger was substituted on at half-time only to be withdrawn 11 minutes later. It has then since emerged that the Frenchman faces two months on the sideline.
This came with the explanation from Hodgson that Olise was fit to play 45 minutes, but at 3-0 down was it worth risking?
Olise has been joined on the injured list by Marc Guehi who picked up a knee injury in the 4-1 loss, but this injury is one which the Eagles are more positive about.
Crystal Palace hopeful over Marc Guehi injury
Losing both Guehi and Olise in one game is incredibly bad luck for Crystal Palace with both being irreplaceable within the current squad.
But according to the Mail Online, Guehi’s injury is one which Palace are hoping isn’t a long-term absentee.
“Marc Guehi suffered a hyperextension of his knee in the loss versus Brighton and is still being assessed. However, there is some hope that the England defender will not be a long-term casualty.”
Guehi is incredibly important to Palace and his absence will be massive, with there being no replacement of an even similar level.
How can Hodgson replace Guehi?
Unfortunately, the drop-down in quality from Guehi and Joachim Andersen is substantial. One option will be James Tomkins who has made just two appearances this Premier League campaign.
Tomkins is 34 years old and won’t offer the same qualities as Guehi, but Tomkins has the experience to be a reliable fill-in.
Another option for Palace however is Chris Richards is probably the smartest choice given he is a little more progressive, younger and would offer more on the ball.
Both options are nothing on Guehi though and Palace will be desperate for his absence to not be a long one. This does highlight the need to strengthen in defence this coming summer.
Trevoh Chalobah and Christian Mosquera were both linked during the winter window and it’s likely interest like this continues in the summer.
