Crystal Palace will be hoping they can ease any potential relegation fears when they take on Everton at Goodison Park, though injury issues could play a major part in the tie.
The Eagles have faced a whirlwind time lately, with problems both on and off of the pitch. Away from the action, there have been plenty of discussions surrounding a potential new head coach – with Oliver Glasner tipped as next Crystal Palace manager.
However, thoughts surrounding that were put firmly on halt as current boss Roy Hodgson was rushed to hospital, due to illness. While the manager is on the mend, his coaching staff and players will have to take on their next challenge in his absence.
That being the clash with Everton, which may have a huge impact on the picture of the relegation race. Palace find themselves just five points clear of the Toffees, who are in the bottom three as things stand.
A victory would go a long way to easing any fears over a possible scrap in the bottom three, while defeat could plunge them into uncertainty. There are a number of injury concerns that aren’t helping Crystal Palace either.
It seems as though there are set to be some key players missing for the clash with Everton, so with that said, here’s a look at the latest injury doubts and potential return dates.
Crystal Palace injury list
Crystal Palace have an injury list that looks far from being fully cleared in the next few weeks ahead. There are seven doubts for the squad heading into the Everton clash, which includes long-term injuries to Cheick Doucoure, Rob Holding, Michael Olise and Jesurun Rak-Sakyi.
Eberechi Eze, Marc Guehi and Will Hughes are a trio that there are hopes over a return for in the near future.
Marc Guehi injury latest
Marc Guehi has been missing from action with a jarred knee he suffered in early February. The injury should pass in its own time, however it largely remains to be seen just how seen that will be for the key defender.
A recent report from the Daily Mail claims that Guehi is close to making an injury return for Palace, though uncertainty remains over whether that will be against Everton.
Expected return date: Burnley (H) – February 24.
Eberechi Eze injury latest
Another key star that has been missing is Eberechi Eze, with the forward picking up a slight muscle strain in early February. Fortunately, much llike Guehi, the Daily Mail reports that the 25-year-old is nearing a return.
Expected return date: Burnley (H) – February 24.
Michael Olise injury latest
When it rains, it pours when it comes to the Crystal Palace injury front as Michael Olise picked up a hamstring problem following his recent return. The youngster came on in the defeat to Brighton, only to be forced off just minutes later.
There is fear that Olise could be missing for a chunk of time, which will come as a huge blow to Palace.
Expected return date: Unknown.
Will Hughes injury latest
Midfielder Will Hughes was forced off late in the clash against Chelsea, with Roy Hodgson later confirming this was a precaution. He told the press: “Hughes was injured. He’d been limping for about ten minutes and we were hoping he would continue and be able to run it off, but he was struggling, mobility wise.”
Expected return date: Unknown.
Cheick Doucoure injury latest
Cheick Doucoure is expected to miss the majority, if not all, of the remaining season due to injury. The Crystal Palace midfielder sustained serious impact to his Achilles tendon, which will take a while to recover fully.
Expected return date: Unknown.
Jesurun Rak-Sakyi injury latest
Jesurun Rak-Sakyi would’ve been hopeful of first-team opportunities this season, however injury issues have prevented that so far. While the youngster was making a return from one injury, he suffered muscular problem when gaining valuable minutes with the academy side.
Expected return date: Unknown.
Rob Holding injury latest
Summer signing Rob Holding hasn’t quite had the impact he would’ve hoped for when joining Crystal Palace, with just the one appearance so far. That hasn’t been helped by a serious injury he picked up in January, which required an operation, with a return not expected until the end of the campaign.
Expected return date: Unknown.
