It is no secret that Crystal Palace’s squad has struggled through the first half of the season.
Already one of the Premier League’s smaller groups, an injury crisis has further exposed their need to strengthen in a number of key positions.
Palace chairman Steve Parish has spoken openly about their need to sign players in January. Limited finances mean loan deals are most likely.
Standard Sport's Dom Smith previews how January could shape for Palace...
Top priority
Central midfield is the key problem position.
Cheick Doucoure’s snapped Achilles tendon will keep him out of action for the rest of the season, while Jefferson Lerma has also spent time on the side-lines recently.
Jeffrey Schlupp and Will Hughes are undoubtedly handy squad players, and 18-year-old David Ozoh is rightly admired by Roy Hodgson, but greater quality is needed in the middle of the park.
What else they need
Tyrick Mitchell remains the only left-back in the Palace squad, and the Eagles must sign an understudy in January.
When Mitchell suffered a hip injury earlier this month, right-back Nathaniel Clyne played instead.
Palace should also target a left-sided forward, to provide competition for Jordan Ayew. A new striking option would also help, though Jean-Philippe Mateta’s goals against Liverpool and Manchester City make his exit, and therefore replacing him, less likely.
Possible ins
In central midfield, Palace are fans of Sunderland’s highly-rated 21-year-old Pierre Ekwah.
The Frenchman spent three years in Chelsea’s youth system, before graduating through the West Ham academy.
Paris Saint-Germain striker Hugo Ekitike is available on loan. If Mateta does leave, Ekitike is likely to replace him at Selhurst Park.
Possible outs
Mateta had been ready to leave in search of more game time, but has hit goalscoring form while Odsonne Edouard is out with a knee injury.
He may now opt to stay, but his exit is still possible and there are foreign clubs interested in him.
No other exits from Palace’s small squad are expected, unless an attractive loan offer comes in for the likes of Jesurun Rak-Sakyi or Naouirou Ahamada.
