Liverpool vs Crystal Palace: Alan Pardew reveals Dwight Gayle is doubt due to injury
Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew has provided a concerning injury update over his attacking options ahead of their trip to Liverpool on Sunday 8 November after revealing that Connor Wickham and Marouane Chamakh are yet to reach their full fitness, while Dwight Gayle is in doubt for the game. The manager, however, has received a boost in his defence as Pape Souare is ready to return to action at Anfield.
The Eagles arrived to the game in the 10th position of the table but having failed to win any of their last three Premier League games, losing against West Ham and Leicester City before their last weekend goalless draw against Manchester United.
Pardew's side have specially struggled up front in the first weeks of the campaign, as his strikers are yet to score a goal this term − with the last coming from Marouane Chamakh against Swansea on the final day of last season.
The situation is not likely to improve at Anfield after the manager revealed that Gayle may miss the game after sustaining an injury during the training session. The 25-year-old striker is yet to find the net in his six Premier League appearance this campaign but has scored four goals in his last five games against the Merseysiders – including a brace in the famous comeback from three goals down to draw 3-3 in 2013 to ruin Liverpool's Premier League title hopes.
"We have one other scare and that's Dwight Gayle, he might struggle to make this game. We'll see how he is tomorrow," Pardew said.
Wickham, meanwhile, returned to action recently with the Under 21 side but after having been out of action for the last two months, the manager suggests the game still come too early for him, as well for Chamakh, who is yet to play this term.
"Connor, he's not 100%, but he is back in training full time now, as is Chamakh," said the manager. "Both of those, it's probably a little bit early [for the Liverpool game].
So should Gayle not pass the final test, Pardew may consider to use Yannick Bolasie up front, with Fraizer Campbell and Chelsea loanee Patrick Bamford also available.
Pardew, however, confirmed that Pape Souare is ready to return to his line-up after the Senegal left-back missed the last two Premier League games.
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