Christian Benteke doubt for Crystal Palace's trip to Bournemouth
Friday 6 April 2018 20:14, UK
Crystal Palace could be left without a striker for their trip to Bournemouth with Christian Benteke a doubt for the game.
Benteke was Palace's only recognised striker still fit, with Connor Wickham yet to return from a year-long injury and January signing Alexander Sorloth out since March 10 with a hamstring problem.
But Hodgson said Benteke limped out of training on Thursday with a groin injury, meaning the club will have to make a late call on his fitness before Saturday's match at the Vitality Stadium.
"I have just spoken to the doctor to ask how he rates his chances of being fit and he said he would rather not say at this stage, so if he is not prepared to do that then I am certainly not in a position to either," said Hodgson.
Belgium international Benteke has struggled this season following his £27m move from Liverpool in summer 2016.
He has scored just two Premier League goals this season as Palace continue to battle relegation.
Well-travelled manager Hodgson, 70, bemoaned Palace's injury crisis heading into the final six games of the campaign.
He said they will not be welcoming any of their current absentees back this weekend.
"I could combine my Premier League experiences at Fulham, West Brom and Liverpool together and still not have had as many injuries as I've had here," he added.
