Crystal Palace are struggling right now and the injury to Michael Olise has only added to this, but his replacement could be ready for his chance.
In such a horrendous run of form, Crystal Palace must be desperate for a full-strength team in order to battle against the ever closer relegation threat.
One position which could hardly get any weaker though is the right wing with multiple options no longer available to Roy Hodgson.
Michael Olise is most notably a massive absence with the talented 22-year-old Frenchman out for at least two months with a hamstring injury.
Jesurun Rak-Sakyi is also injured in what will be a huge blow for the starlet. Looking to build fitness after a recent injury he played in a youth game on Monday night against Ipswich only to be forcefully withdrawn.
Malcolm Ebiowei would’ve been a good choice to bring in as a winger in these absences but he is currently on loan in Belgium.
Therefore, Hodgson could need to look to the youth, and if he does he’ll find a potentially excellent winger to call up.
Crystal Palace should give Franco Umeh his chance
With so many options currently not available to Palace, Hodgson may indeed forced to utilise his youth squad which is thriving right now.
Franco Umeh is one of those who should be on the verge of a first-team opportunity as he enjoys a wonderful season with the U21s.
The 19-year-old who joined Palace in January 2023 for a fee of just £64,000 from Cork City has been incredibly prolific this season.
He’s scored six goals and assisted two in just nine starts for the U21s this season while playing as a winger.
Umeh is a hard-working winger with an exceptional work rate but is also blessed with tremendous ability on the ball with his dribbling, playmaking and finishing.
What are the chances of Hodgson picking Umeh?
Hodgson doesn’t fill us with confidence that he’ll look to give the youth a chance however with little choice he may be forced to.
Only Andre Ayew is left to play on the right, and even then he’d be better on the left.
Matheus Franca could finally get his chance but he’s not really a winger as he’s shown this season, with the number 10 slot being his best position at Flamengo.
Therefore Umeh should in theory get his chance and would be a good choice to come into the side. That being said it’s unlikely Hodgson will agree and we wouldn’t be surprised to see a player shoehorned into that position.
