Palace boss says Wilfried Zaha is a doubt for Liverpool game on Saturday
Thursday 29 March 2018 15:34, UK
Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson has not given up hope on Christian Benteke winning back a place in the Belgium squad, and believes the striker can still make the World Cup this summer.
Benteke was left out of Roberto Martinez's side for their friendly against Saudi Arabia as he continues to struggle for goals in the Premier League.
The Belgian has scored just twice this season - the most recent coming against West Ham two months ago.
Despite Benteke's drought in front of goal, Hodgson has been pleased with his overall performances recently including in the 2-0 victory over Huddersfield that lifted the Eagles to 16th in the table, two points above the relegation zone.
Asked about Benteke's mood during the international break, Hodgson said: "He needs, and he knows he needs, to play as well as we think he is playing, at this moment in time.
"I think his form is very much on the up. If the national coach, Roberto [Martinez], was to watch his performance in particular against Huddersfield, but also against Tottenham and Man United, then he would be seeing the Benteke that he knows and has selected in the past.
"I would defy anybody not to be impressed by the defensive work he did against Huddersfield.
"His hold-up play, his ability to bring other people into play, his runs and his movement were all the things we were hoping to see from him, I believe we are now seeing.
"If he can add a goal or two or an assist to that, I am pretty certain that Roberto and his staff watching him will see the Benteke they know and want.
"All Christian can do is produce those performances to keep his club in the league and then hopefully that will be recognised by his national team and he will get a place in the squad to go to Russia."
Hodgson also revealed on Thursday that forward Wilfried Zaha is a doubt for their game against Liverpool on Saturday, live on Sky Sports.
The Ivory Coast winger picked up a knock against Huddersfield a fortnight ago, which reportedly led to him returning from international duty earlier than expected this week.
Asked if he is ready for the Liverpool game, Hodgson said: "No, he has not been doing any training with us to any great extent. We are nursing the knee problem that he has.
"He is one that we will have a look at tomorrow (Friday) and we hope that the knee will be okay.
"We have had to be very cautious with him after the Huddersfield game because he came back from injury a lot earlier than perhaps he should have done."
