With only a brief update on his injury, it was revealed yesterday that Sam Johnstone has returned to South London from the England camp, which presents a worrying injury conundrum for Crystal Palace.
The news of Sam Johnstone’s early departure from international duty would have alarmed Crystal Palace.
The Palace keeper, along with Harry Maguire and Kyle Walker, was one of three players who left the England camp due to injury, according to confirmation from the FA yesterday.
James Trafford was called up to take the 31-year-old’s place, and Selhurst Park is hoping that the Englishman’s injury isn’t too serious.
On Saturday, Palace will play their first Premier League match at the City Ground against Nottingham Forest. Oliver Glasner will be hoping to start his first-choice goalie for this match.
An update regarding Sam Johnstone’s departure from overseas service
The shot-stopper’s injury was initially thought to be more serious because of the brevity of England’s announcement.
Fortunately, reporter Sami Mokbel managed to ease the tensions at Palace with a succinct, yet comforting, three-word update on the Englishman’s departure.
Reputable Daily Mail reporter tweeted, “Injury not serious,” mentioning that the goalie had hurt his elbow while playing for his country.
Sam Johnstone has developed into a crucial player for Crystal Palace.
There was concern for Johnstone’s future at Palace following the Eagles’ summer transfer window acquisition of Dean Henderson from Manchester United.
Rather, Johnstone has been able to thoroughly establish himself as a regular starter by capitalizing on Henderson’s absence early in the campaign to prove to Roy Hodgson how valuable he is.
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.
