Friday 6 April 2018 20:05, UK
Christian Benteke has confirmed he will miss Crystal Palace's game at Bournemouth on Saturday through injury.
Palace manager Roy Hodgson had said Benteke was doubtful for the trip after picking up a groin problem in training on Thursday, potentially leaving the club without a recognised striker.
January signing Alexander Sorloth has been out since March 10 with a hamstring problem while Connor Wickham has not played in a year.
Benteke was assessed on Friday and will now miss the game at the Vitality Stadium.
"Really disappointed I can't be out there helping the team tomorrow," Benteke wrote on Twitter on Friday.
"I picked up a slight injury in training that shouldn't keep me out for long. The timing is frustrating but I'm sure the boys will bring three points home!"
Palace are just two points ahead of the relegation places heading into the game, while Southampton (17th) have a game in hand on the Eagles.
Hodgson, 70, said he has experienced more injury problems in his time since joining Palace early in the season than his previous spells at Liverpool, Fulham and West Brom combined.
