Crystal Palace boss rules key midfielder out of upcoming games against Wolves and Fulham

Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner does not expect to have Jefferson Lerma available for selection for upcoming games Wolves and Fulham.

Lerma was forced off in the first half of Palace’s 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur last Sunday with a hamstring injury.

The Colombian international was left out of the matchday squad for the 2-1 EFL Cup win over Aston Villa on Wednesday.

“He won’t be back before the international break,” said Glasner.

“We’re hoping he will be back after. But you can see it in many clubs – especially with the international players – they’re struggling in this phase of the season.

“There was a short break, then no pre-season and then many games. Jeff is always travelling across the Atlantic [for international duty]. We have to deal with it.”

Daichi Kamada netted the winner against Villa during midweek – drilling a low effort beyond Joe Gauci to book Palace’s place in the last eight of the EFL Cup.

The Japanese international was subbed on in the first half as Eberechi Eze was forced off with a hamstring problem.

Glasner said: “It was difficult for him to come into the game after 15 minutes and to play as a 10.

“He switched to playing as a six 15 minutes later. He lost the ball before the equaliser – everybody would like to have a better start in a game like this.

“I spoke with him at half-time and said: ‘Stay calm and score a goal.’

“For me, it sometimes looks like he wants it a little bit too much. 

“He did it. I know that finishing from the edge of the box is one of his strengths.

“I’m very delighted for him.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD