Crystal Palace only have one fresh injury doubt for Manchester City match

BY SAM SMITH

Martin Kelly is Crystal Palace’s only fresh injury concern ahead of their trip to Manchester City.

 

The Liverpudlian defender will miss the trip north with an adductor (groin) strain suffered late in last weekend’s 1-0 victory over Leicester City.

 

Wayne Hennessey remains absent with a back spasm, despite suggestions that he might be fit having missed the win against the Foxes. Midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate faces a late race to be fit having been withdrawn in the second half of the match at Selhurst Park.

 

“Martin Kelly is the one who we have lost unfortunately, he felt his adductor muscle towards the end of the Leicester game and carried on playing,” said Palace boss Roy Hodgson.

 

“He reported it again straight after the game and the medical team found that there was a slight strain. That will rule him out of the game tomorrow but not for a particularly long length of time.

 

“The other player who will be absent is Wayne Hennessey. We thought he might have recovered having missed the Leicester game but he hasn’t. His back spasm hasn’t passed over, although it is a lot better. He tried to train yesterday and it went okay but he might need a couple more days.

 

“We don’t think [Kouyate’s injury] is a serious one. He trained today and we’re going to have a look at it again. Fundamentally he should be available but the question will be whether we take that risk with all the games coming up.”

 

The Palace boss also provided an update on Christian Benteke. The Belgian has not featured for the Eagles since the 2-0 defeat to Southampton on September 1 due to a knee injury.

 

“Christian’s is a longer term injury, he’s working away. He’s doing all he can do with the sports scientists and medical staff so he can get to a point when they say he can join in with training again.

 

“That won’t be until the end of the month at the earliest. Basically he’s pretty much on time with that.”