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Roy Hodgson forced to name unfit Yohan Cabaye on bench as Crystal Palace injury troubles worsen

Hodgson is hopeful Cabaye will be fit for Saturday's trip to Arsenal: Getty Images
Hodgson is hopeful Cabaye will be fit for Saturday's trip to Arsenal: Getty Images

Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson has revealed that Yohan Cabaye was named as a substitute to face Burnley even though he was struggling for fitness.

Hodgson decided the midfielder would be risked only if absolutely necessary after it emerged on Saturday morning he was suffering with muscle fatigue.

Bakary Sako’s first-half strike turned out to be the only goal of the game and Hodgson decided against bringing on any players from the bench, despite Palace coming under pressure after the break.

Hodgson is hoping France international Cabaye will return to full match fitness for the clash at Arsenal on Saturday, which precedes a 10-day break before a derby at West Ham.

“The results of Yohan’s MRI scan showed that nothing was torn or damaged and it was muscle fatigue,” said Hodgson.

“We persuaded him to be on the bench but, to be honest, I would have put him on the field only if it had been absolutely necessary because he does have this fatigue which kept him out of training for a couple of days.”

Hodgson hopes to be able to call upon Andros Townsend for the match against West Ham, with the former England winger having missed Saturday’s game with an ankle injury.