Crystal Palace have had to deal with plenty of injuries this season, and losing goalkeeper Sam Johnstone was far from ideal.
Johnstone was withdrawn in Crystal Palace’s late defeat to Liverpool, with third-choice option Remi Matthews appearing in his place, and he looked set to start away at Manchester City.
However, summer signing Dean Henderson returned from injury just in time to make his league debut for the club at the Etihad Stadium, and delivered a masterclass as Palace battled to a 2-2 draw.
Fans were sceptical as to why Henderson was signed during the summer given the presence of Johnstone, who signed a new deal this season, but Henderson has performed well since arriving in the team.
Johnstone has now recovered from his injury, and Roy Hodgson has confirmed that he will start in Crystal Palace’s FA Cup replay against Everton tonight.
Hodgson confirms decision over Sam Johnstone vs Everton
Speaking in his pre-match press conference yesterday, Hodgson praised both goalkeepers, and revealed that whilst Johnstone will start against Everton, Henderson is likely to start on Saturday against Arsenal.
“He’s fit… Sam Johnstone will play tomorrow,” Hodgson claimed.
“There’s not really been a situation, other than the League Cup game, when both Johnstone and Henderson were fit… now, tomorrow night, both goalkeepers are fit and I can choose either one of them. But I haven’t really had a situation, as yet, in a league game where both are putting their hands up and saying ‘I think I should play’ – and that will be a tough call, a very tough call.
Does Hodgson face a dilemma over Crystal Palace’s goalkeepers?
Having two England International goalkeepers in the squad at the same time may be a nice problem to have, but with both eager to play regularly, it is a problem for Hodgson as he has a decision to make over who should be selected.
However, he has claimed that both keepers are excellent options.
“It’s obviously comforting, in some ways, for the club to know that whichever choice I make, I’m putting a very good goalkeeper onto the field of play. It’s also my job, of course, to keep players motivated, keep players wanting to play, keep players feeling that they’re appreciated and that their worth is appreciated,” he claimed.
Johnstone is a popular figure at the club, but Henderson’s good form since his arrival has led to speculation that he could leave. However, it is currently unclear whether Palace will be willing to let him go midway through the season.
