An important Crystal Palace player is a major doubt for the Christmas clash against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
Five Tottenham players are out injured, and two are away at the African Cup of Nations, but those are not the only players Thomas Frank will have to do without on Sunday.
Xavi Simons and Cristian Romero are both suspended for the clash against Crystal Palace after being sent off in Tottenham’s 2-1 loss to Liverpool.
However, Spurs’ opponents also have an important absentee for the clash in South London.
Crystal Palace centre-back could be ruled out of Tottenham clash
Eagles centre-back Chris Richards is now a major doubt for Sunday’s clash after being stretchered off in Crystal Palace’s Carabao Cup defeat to Arsenal.
The USA international went down in the second half and required treatment after his foot was bleeding heavily.
He was unable to continue, and Oliver Glasner has admitted that things do not look promising for the 25-year-old ahead of this Sunday’s clash.
The Austrian coach said about Richards (via The Metro): “He got a knock on his foot, like stamped on his foot, and had to be stitched. I don’t know how many stitches but a few but the doctor told me it doesn’t look so bad. So, I’m always hopeful and, of course, we have to be hopeful.
“I don’t know if he will be okay for the Tottenham game, but I am still hoping that he will be back against Fulham because, of course, as mentioned, we have 16 outfield players and we can’t afford to miss someone else.”
Eagles striker expected to be fit for Spurs clash
Richards is not the only injury worry for Palace, with striker Eddie Nketiah also forced off with an injury at half-time at the Emirates.
However, Glasner is confident that the former Arsenal forward will play a part against the Lilywhites.
He said about Nketiah after his side’s loss to Arsenal on penalties: “Edie got a slight knock. Doesn’t look so serious, and I hope that he… I’m sure that he will be back for the Tottenham game.”