All the Crystal Palace Games Eddie Nketiah Could Miss After Big Injury Update

Crystal Palace forward Eddie Nketiah faces a potential spell on the sidelines following a hamstring injury confirmed by manager Oliver Glasner, dealing a blow to the Eagles' attack amid mounting absences.

Nketiah, who joined Palace with high expectations, has struggled for consistent starts, managing just nine in 29 appearances with three goals this season. His role was set to expand with Ismaila Sarr's departure for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with Senegal. However, a recent scan revealed a minor muscle injury in his hamstring, better than initially feared but still sidelining him temporarily.

Glasner announced in a pre-match press conference that Nketiah is expected to miss three games before returning after the November international break. The affected fixtures include key Premier League clashes and cup ties, stretching Palace's already thin squad further. Long-term absentees like Daniel Munoz (knee), Daichi Kamada (hamstring), Cheick Doucoure (knee), Chadi Riad (knee), and Caleb Kporha (back) compound the issue, with uncertainty over Chris Richards' foot injury from the EFL Cup defeat to Arsenal.^[1][2]

Games Nketiah Could Miss:

• Premier League: Crystal Palace vs. Tottenham Hotspur – Despite an earlier minor knock being deemed manageable for this Sunday clash, the hamstring issue may force him to sit out or start on the bench. Justin Devenny is poised to step up.^[1]
• Premier League: Crystal Palace vs. Fulham – Predicted lineups suggest a possible return here, but Glasner's update indicates ongoing risk; he'd compete with Jean-Philippe Mateta up top.^[2]
• Third confirmed fixture post-scan – Likely the next league game before the international break, with Nketiah targeting a comeback thereafter. Exact opponent TBD, but it heightens pressure on squad depth.^[1]

Glasner emphasized the positive scan results: "It's a minor muscle injury. It looks like he'll be back after the international break." Palace, fatigued and in need of January reinforcements, may shift to a back-three with Jefferson Lerma covering defense if Richards falters. Midfield duo Will Hughes and Adam Wharton anchor, while Yeremy Pino and others fill forward roles alongside Mateta.^[2]

This injury update disrupts Palace's momentum, especially with Sarr away. Fans await Nketiah's swift recovery to bolster their push up the table.

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