Crystal Palace vs. West Ham United: Roy Hodgson suffers a ‘huge’ blow as both players are ruled out
Crystal Palace have been dealt a “huge” blow ahead of their clash with West Ham United, with the Daily Mail reporting that two of Roy Hodgson’s key players have been ruled out.
Cheick Doucoure may not play again this season, according to the newspaper’s print edition (28 November, page 62), after suffering a serious achilles injury in Palace’s 2-1 defeat to Luton, which could keep him out for six months.
After limping off with an ankle injury at Kenilworth Road, Eberechi Eze is expected to join him in the treatment room for up to a month. The midfielder is still being evaluated, but it is expected that he will miss the games against West Ham and Bournemouth.
David Moyes’ side host Crystal Palace at the London Stadium on Sunday 3 December, but they must first focus on a Europa League clash with TSC Backa Topola on Thursday 30 November.
The weaker side
No game in the Premier League is easy, especially against a team as consistent as Crystal Palace, but the latest injury update from Selhurst Park will give the Hammers confidence ahead of the clash this weekend.
Eze is capable of turning a game on its head with a single action; the England international has been in inspired form when fit and available, and he would have given the Irons’ backline and midfield plenty of work if he had been fit.
Similarly, Doucoure has been a regular fixture at the heart of Hodgson’s midfield this season, starting 11 of the 13 Premier League matches and going about his business well. His absence may allow players like James Ward-Prowse and Lucas Paqeuta to find more space as they advance up the field.
West Ham have improved their domestic fortunes in recent weeks, with victories over Nottingham Forest and Burnley in their last two matches. They will be hoping to continue that recent run against Palace, and the latest news suggests that they will be considered favorites.
But first and foremost, the Irons must qualify for the Europa League and ensure their place in the knockout stages.
