Crystal Palace have been handed a huge injury lift. Eagles defender Chris Richards sustained a nasty knock and had to be stretchered off during the defeat to Arsenal.
The sight of him being carried off after a collision with Gabriel Jesus raised concerns, but fortunately Palace boss Oliver Glasner delivered some encouraging news.
Glasner said (via the CPFC website), “He got a knock on his foot, a stamp on his foot, and it had to be stitched.
“I don’t know how many stitches, but a few. The doctor told me it doesn’t look so bad. I’m always hopeful. We have to be hopeful.
“I don’t know if he will be okay for the Tottenham game, but I’m still hoping that he will be back against Fulham.”
Richards has been a key figure for Glasner this season, starting all 17 of Palace’s Premier League matches.
The 25-year-old United States international would be a significant loss for Palace. They will be eager to see him return swiftly, and with good reason.
For starters, Palace only have Jaydee Canvot available off the bench as cover for Richards, with Chadi Riad still sidelined through injury.
In addition, his defensive partner Maxence Lacroix has been enduring a difficult period.
The Frenchman struggled visibly in the weekend defeat to Leeds United, before another underwhelming display against Arsenal.
Despite winning the majority of his duels and registering 11 clearances against Arsenal, Lacroix scored an own goal and then missed the decisive penalty that ended Palace’s cup run.
If Palace had greater depth, Glasner may have thought about resting Lacroix for a few matches, but the lack of options at the back and Richards’ injury mean he is likely to start again.
The club could look to explore the transfer market for an additional defensive signing to strengthen their backline during the winter window.