‘Real tragedy’ – Palace boss Hodgson confirms Nathan Ferguson looks set to miss the rest of the season
Roy Hodgson says Nathan Ferguson’s injury record at Crystal Palace has been a “real tragedy” – with the ex-West Brom defender suffering another setback which could sideline him until next season.
Ferguson has only played eight minutes of senior football for the Eagles since signing from West Brom in July 2020, coming on as a substitute in the 3-0 defeat away at Tottenham Hotspur last season.
The 22-year-old versatile defender recently returned from injury and played for the Palace U21 side in games against Spurs and Manchester United.
But Hodgson confirmed before the Everton clash that Ferguson will likely be sidelined for the rest of the season.
The South London Press understands Ferguson has picked up a hamstring injury.
“It’s an injury which is going to keep him out for a period of time,” said the 75-year-old.
“It’s a serious muscle tear. I was here when the club brought him to the club. We were very excited about him coming to the club – we thought we had a little diamond on our hands.
“What has happened to him over these three years has been a real tragedy. It’s been particularly tough for me to take this time, seeing the disappointment he’s now got to come over once again, because, for two weeks, he was training out there and was looking good.
“I had no warning that he was going to pick up another fairly serious injury, which is nothing like that one which kept him out for years.
“He’s going to have to be very tough. The club will help him as much as we possibly can. I know the players around him will because he’s a popular figure at the club.
“But for him, personally, that’s a real mental challenge to come over. This time, we felt: ‘You’re ready now. You can start seriously knocking on the door and asking for a place in the team.’
“To suddenly find yourself out now until probably next season, that’s a tough, tough ask.
“I hope he can get over it and gets the support he needs. We will do all we can. We’re really, really disappointed for him – he doesn’t deserve that.
“Everything he’s done deserved a better fate than this one.”
PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD
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