Crystal Palace have been handed a concerning injury dilemma as it was reported yesterday that Sam Johnstone has returned to South London from the England camp, with a brief update on his injury provided.
Crystal Palace would have been worried at the news of Sam Johnstone’s premature exit from international duty.
Yesterday, the FA confirmed that the Palace keeper was one of three players to leave the England camp due to injury, joining Harry Maguire and Kyle Walker.
James Trafford was called up to replace the 31-year-old with the hope there from Selhurst Park that the Englishman’s injury isn’t considered as severe.
Palace return to action in the Premier League on Saturday with a trip to the City Ground to face Nottingham Forest, a game Oliver Glasner will be hopeful of having his first-choice keeper for.
Update on Sam Johnstone’s withdrawal from international duty
At first, there was concern over the extent of the shot-stopper’s injury as the statement from England was brief.
Luckily, journalist Sami Mokbel was able to calm the nerves at Palace by providing an equally brief yet relieving update on the Englishman’s exit with a three-word summary.
The renowned Daily Mail journalist tweeted “Injury not serious”, adding that the keeper had injured his elbow whilst on international duty.
Sam Johnstone has become a valued member of Crystal Palace’s squad
When the Eagles acquired Dean Henderson from Manchester United in the summer transfer window, it looked as though Johnstone’s future at Palace would be in jeopardy.
Instead, Johnstone has been able to fully impose himself to become a regular starter, taking advantage of Henderson’s injury earlier in the season to show his worth to Roy Hodgson.
Despite missing some time out to injury himself, the Englishman returned to the fold refreshed and ready to take the place of the former United man once more, making himself the Eagles’ firm number once against the odds.
Averaging 1.5 goals conceded per game this season, the 31-year-old is ahead of his counterpart in that area, with Henderson averaging 2.5 goals conceded per game, baring in mind he has played less football, via Sofascore.
It would be disappointing for Glasner to lose his number one at this stage of the season to injury however, Mokbel’s update has eased pressures surrounding the fitness of the Palace shot-stopper ahead of the return to Premier League action.
As mentioned, the Eagles go to battle with Nottingham Forest on Saturday in what is said to be a feisty affair as the hosts look to reclaim the points they lost through deduction last week.