Crystal Palace chief: Another injury crisis would still hurt – even with an improved squad

BY SAM SMITH

Manager Roy Hodgson fears another injury crisis could still hamper Crystal Palace’s improved squad.

The Eagles suffered a glut of injuries around the new year period last season which slashed their survival chances. At its peak, the injury crisis saw 12 first team members sidelined with different knocks.

Hodgson added four new players to his ranks during the summer and while admitting that it is an improved squad, he feels another crisis could have a negative impact.

He said: “There are lots of positives around the club at this very moment in time. The squad is looking very good and the new players are coming on leaps and bounds.

“We don’t have an awful lot of players and we would be in trouble if we had another injury crisis like last season. The squad is better though, there are players who can come off the bench and make a difference.

“Our only aim is to stay away from the relegation zone, which I’m afraid we’ve spent too long around a bit of time within.”