Crystal Palace suffer fresh injury blow as defender withdraws from international duty

Crystal Palace defender Chris Richards has withdrawn from the American team after picking up an injury on international duty.

The former Bayern Munich defender was in the team to play against Japan and Saudi Arabia, but left the team hotel after experiencing severe pain in his leg.

He will now fly back to London for further assessment ahead of the Premier League game against Chelsea after international break.

The 22-year-old is yet to start a Premier League game after joining the Eagles this summer, but he’s already made three substitute appearances including one against Liverpool.

He also started the League Cup game against Oxford and impressed even though it will be hard to break through the duo of Joachim Andersen and Marc Guehi at the moment.

But there is no doubting the fact that his injury will come as a blow to Patrick Vieira, with Crystal Palace have their last two games postponed due following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II and rail strikes.

The Eagles have had an encouraging start to the season picking up points against Liverpool and Newcastle, and backed it up with a win at home against Aston Villa.

Defeats to Manchester City and Arsenal on the first day of the season, as well as an unfortunate draw against Brentford when they dominated the game but conceded late to walk away with only a point.

After the international break, games against Leeds, Leicester and Wolves after Chelsea will be considered as a winnable to climb higher in the Premier League table.