Goalless Crystal Palace set to be strikerless for foreseeable future

Crystal Palace could be without star striker Christian Benteke for the foreseeable future after the Belgian suffered a knee injury in defeat at the Eithad on Saturday, Sky Sports reveal.

Following on from their 5-0 loss manager Roy Hodgson confirmed that the striker looked to have suffered “a form of ligament damage”, though he was reluctant to put a timeframe on the forward’s absence.

The Belgium international will undergo a scan on Sunday but is certain to miss the next game against Manchester United and could be out for a matter of months.

Benteke had endured a frustrating start to the Premier League season to say the least, failing to score in the opening six matches of the campaign - which could also be said for all of his Palace teammates.

The former Liverpool front man has been particularly guilty for his profligacy, however, missing more clear cut chances than any other player in England’s top-flight (6).

Nevertheless, his absence will leave the Eagles extremely short in attack, with Connor Wickham - the only other out and out striker - also sidelined.