Crystal Palace have been dealt a significant blow as star midfielder Eberechi Eze has been ruled out of their upcoming Premier League fixtures against Chelsea and Tottenham due to injury.
The 25-year-old playmaker, who has been instrumental for the Eagles this season, suffered the setback in training and is expected to be sidelined for several weeks.
Hodgson Faces Selection Dilemma
Manager Roy Hodgson now faces a major selection headache as he prepares his side for two tough London derbies without his creative talisman. Eze's absence leaves a noticeable gap in Palace's attacking options, with the England international having contributed 5 goals and 3 assists so far this campaign.
Impact on Palace's Season
This injury comes at a crucial time for Crystal Palace, who are looking to build momentum after a mixed start to the season. Eze's creativity and ability to unlock defences will be sorely missed against two of the league's top sides.
The club's medical staff are working round the clock to assess the extent of the injury, but early reports suggest Eze could be out for at least three weeks.
Possible Replacements
Hodgson may turn to either Jeffrey Schlupp or Will Hughes to fill the void in midfield, though neither offers quite the same attacking threat as Eze. Alternatively, the veteran manager could opt for a tactical reshuffle to compensate for the loss of his key player.
Palace fans will be hoping for a speedy recovery for their midfield maestro, whose flair and technical ability have made him one of the most exciting players to watch in the Premier League this season.
